Univision Communications Taps Former Disney Exec

NEW YORK: Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) has appointed Eric Ratchman, who previously worked at The Walt Disney Company, as the executive VP of content distribution.

In his new position, Ratchman will be based in New York. He will report to Tonia O’Connor, the chief commercial officer and president of content distribution for UCI. Ratchman joins UCI from The Walt Disney Company, where he most recently served as senior VP of global distribution strategy and business development for Disney Media Networks. In that role, Ratchman was responsible for Disney’s multibillion-dollar portfolio globally across platforms ranging from Spotify to Comcast. During his tenure at Disney, he negotiated the first carriage of Disney’s networks on an OTT basis with SlingTV. Prior to his time at Disney, Ratchman worked at Accenture and Abbott Laboratories.

O’Connor commented: “Eric has more than a decade of experience in global content distribution strategy and business development. His background and expertise will add tremendous value as we continue to expand UCI’s growing portfolio of brands accessible anytime, anywhere. Eric will play an integral role in evolving our relationships with both new and longstanding distribution partners and will be instrumental in negotiating critical distribution agreements for UCI’s stations, networks and content.”

Ratchman added: “I am proud to join Univision, a company that is a true lifeline to its audience. As Univision expands its content portfolio, it is also important to deliver our content in ways that best suit our loyal viewers—across platforms and on any device, which will help us to deepen our already strong ties to the dynamic, influential and rapidly growing Hispanic and multicultural community.”