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Disney Appoints Jimmy Zasowski as Platform Distribution President

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 8:39 GMT by Variety
      Locales: California, New York, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - February 18th, 2026 - In a move signaling a significant strategic realignment, The Walt Disney Company today announced the appointment of Jimmy Zasowski as Platform Distribution President, effective immediately. The appointment, while seemingly straightforward, represents a deeper evolution in Disney's approach to content delivery, reflecting the realities of a fragmented and increasingly competitive streaming market.

Zasowski arrives at Disney from Paramount+, where he was a pivotal figure in the platform's growth and expansion. His mandate at Disney is comprehensive: to oversee the distribution of the company's vast and coveted content library - encompassing Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ - alongside managing relationships with traditional media partners. This consolidation of distribution responsibilities under a single executive is not simply organizational streamlining; it's a clear indication that Disney is prioritizing a unified, integrated approach to reach audiences, acknowledging that the "streaming wars" are maturing into something far more nuanced.

"Jimmy brings a wealth of experience in the rapidly evolving digital landscape," stated Disney CEO Bob Iger, echoing sentiments felt throughout the industry. "His expertise in streaming distribution, particularly from his work at Paramount+, will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern media environment."

But what exactly are those complexities? The initial rush to streaming, characterized by aggressive subscriber acquisition and content spending, has given way to a period of recalibration. Profitability is now the primary focus, and the days of endless growth are over. Platforms are realizing that pure subscriber numbers aren't enough; retention, average revenue per user (ARPU), and diversified revenue streams are paramount. Zasowski's role is central to achieving these goals.

Disney's situation is particularly unique. Unlike some competitors that were 'streaming-first' companies, Disney has a legacy deeply rooted in traditional media. This presents both an advantage and a challenge. The advantage lies in the established relationships with cable and broadcast partners, and the continued revenue generated from linear television. The challenge is integrating this legacy infrastructure with the demands of a digital-first world. Zasowski's task is to bridge that gap, ensuring that Disney can leverage both channels effectively.

Industry analysts suggest Disney is moving toward a more balanced distribution model - one that doesn't solely rely on direct-to-consumer subscriptions. We've already seen hints of this with the increasing availability of Disney+ content through third-party platforms and the exploration of ad-supported tiers. Zasowski will likely be instrumental in expanding these efforts, negotiating deals that maximize reach and revenue without cannibalizing Disney's core streaming services.

Furthermore, the appointment indicates a heightened focus on international distribution. While the US market is saturated, significant growth potential still exists in regions like Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Europe. Zasowski's experience at Paramount+ will be particularly valuable in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities presented by these markets, including content localization, regulatory hurdles, and varying consumer preferences.

Some experts predict Zasowski will also oversee a potential bundling strategy, combining Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with other streaming services or traditional media packages. This could offer consumers more value and convenience, while also providing Disney with a wider distribution network and increased revenue potential. The recent partnership between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery points to the viability of such collaborations.

The appointment of Zasowski also comes at a critical juncture for ESPN+. The platform has struggled to achieve the same level of success as Disney+ and Hulu, and faces intense competition from other sports streaming services. Zasowski will need to develop a compelling strategy to differentiate ESPN+ and attract a wider audience, potentially through exclusive content, innovative features, or strategic partnerships.

In conclusion, Jimmy Zasowski's arrival at Disney signifies more than just a change in personnel. It's a strategic signal that the company is embracing a more integrated and sophisticated approach to content distribution, recognizing that the future of media lies in a hybrid model that combines the best of streaming and traditional media.