Sean Cocchia promoted to vice president, business development for Disney Channel Worldwide

Sean Cocchia has been promoted to Vice President, Business Development,  Disney Channel Worldwide, it was announced today by Rich Ross, President, Disney Channel Worldwide, to whom Mr. Cocchia reports.  Mr. Cocchia most recently served as Executive Director, Business Management for Disney Channel U.S.

In his new position, Mr. Cocchia is responsible for overseeing the business planning and development for Disney Channel Worldwide which includes the wholly-owned U.S. basic cable networks Disney Channel and Toon Disney, 23 international Disney Channels, five international Playhouse Disney and six international Toon Disney channels plus the Company’s majority interest in over a dozen Jetix channels.  Additionally, he works closely with other departments and divisions across The Walt Disney Company on the formulation of new opportunities and growth strategies for the kids television business.

“Sean’s expertise and experience, as well as his in-depth knowledge of the Disney organization, make him the perfect person to lead our business development efforts,” said Ross.  “He has done an exceptional job over the past five years to extend our Disney Channel and Jetix businesses by formulating and implementing a variety of growth strategies.”

Mr. Cocchia joined The Walt Disney Company in July 1998 as a Senior Analyst in the strategic planning division, focusing on the Company’s International Television and Studio businesses.  In that role, he worked on operating plans for new television initiatives for Walt Disney Television International, as well as evaluating and implementing new strategies and investments for the Studio’s business units including Buena Vista Home Entertainment and Walt Disney Television Animation. 

Mr. Cocchia also previously served as an investment banking analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston’s Media and Telecommunications Group, where he was charged with developing business models to determine the financial and market impacts of mergers, divestitures and financing for such clients as The Walt Disney Company, Hearst-Argyle Television, The E.W. Scripps Company and Cox Enterprises.

Mr. Cocchia graduated magna cum laude from University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance (Class of 1996).  He currently resides in Los Angeles .

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