Gary Marsh Stepping Down from Disney Branded Television

Gary Marsh, who has spent 33 years in creative and leadership roles at Disney, is stepping down as president and chief creative officer of Disney Branded Television to launch his own production venture.

Marsh has developed and shepherded some of the most iconic content in the Disney portfolio, from the High School Musical and Hannah Montana franchises to Lizzie McGuire, Descendants, Phineas and Ferb, Gravity Falls, The Proud Family, That’s So Raven, Jessie, Andi Mack and The Owl House. During his tenure, he launched the Disney Junior channel, along with its programs such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins, Elena of Avalor and Sofia the First.

Marsh will exit his post at the end of 2021. He has signed a multiyear production deal to develop content for Disney’s streaming and linear platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, ABC, National Geographic, Freeform and FX.

“For 33 years, I’ve had the greatest job in television,” said Marsh. “The stories we’ve told, the music we’ve created, the stars we’ve discovered, the franchises we’ve built—all of it has entertained and engaged millions of kids and families around the globe. Thanks to the reach of Disney’s streaming platforms, those stories will live forever in the hearts and minds of future generations, alongside all the new stories I look forward to telling. There simply could not be a more compelling or creatively stimulating time to enter the production ranks.”

“Gary’s leadership and creative genius have shaped a generation of beloved kids’ and family programming, and we are forever grateful for the indelible impact he’s made at The Walt Disney Company,” said Peter Rice, chairman of Disney General Entertainment. “Gary is a valued leader and good friend, and we’ve been talking about this move for years. So when he decided to focus solely on producing after three decades of an amazing executive career, I jumped at the opportunity to keep him among us.”