Disney Names its First Head of Marketing Tech and Operations

Creating a new role to reflect a company’s evolution isn’t the hardest part of the decision process – it’s finding the right leader to appoint the role to.

Effective from 7 September, Jennifer Creegan will take on the role of Disney’s first ever Head of Marketing Tech and Operations.

She will be responsible for partnering across Disney’s divisions, including film and television, streaming, sports, parks and experiences as well as with technology and data teams.

Jennifer’s role will allow more insight into fans, enabling faster, more informed decision making and creating new opportunities to drive growth and deepen engagement across the globe.

Aiming to strengthen Disney’s global connection

Initially announced earlier this year, Jennifer’s new role is part of Disney’s enterprise marketing organisation and will be aligned with its current leadership team.

Asad Ayaz, Disney’s Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, comments: “There are more ways than ever to experience Disney today, and that gives us an incredible opportunity to bring fans closer to the brands and stories they love.”

Introducing a Head of Marketing Tech and Operations recognises another step in the organisation of Disney’s global marketing evolution, reflecting the company’s continued focus on creating more connected experiences for fans.

Across the last two decades, Disney has embraced a new chapter of bold expansion and meaningful impact on a global scale. 

Acknowledging the rapid rate of technology use maintained Disney’s positioning as an industry leader in animation. This will be further developed through Jennifer’s role.

An unexpected appointment

For well established enterprises such as Disney, it is important that its leaders are knowledgeable and appointed with precision.

After spending nearly three decades at Microsoft, Jennifer Creegan may not have been the most predictable appointment. However, recognised as a powerful force within the marketing industry, for her sharp innovation and commendable skill set, Jennifer will bring valuable knowledge to Disney’s new role.

Most recently serving as Vice President, Strategy, Business Model and Insights at Xbox, Microsoft for two and a half years, Jennifer led the business model strategy and insights for Xbox’s global platform. 

She was instrumental in defining the ecosystem's growth and scaling across products, content and markets.

“Jenn understands how technology and data can come together with innovative marketing approaches to help us show up for fans in fresh and unexpected ways. Her experience bringing it all together will be invaluable as we build our marketing team, leveraging technology to deliver a connected Disney experience,” Asad adds.

Reporting directly to Asad, Jennifer’s role fits Disney’s goal for centralising data and technology functions in its operations – aligning with the cultural changes surrounding tech.

Working across such a diverse portfolio means that Jennifer will assist in connecting Disney’s marketing across every business the company runs.

Who are Disney’s biggest partners?

• Kraft Heinz – Disney and Kraft Heinz announced a landmark, long-term, enterprise wide strategic alliance in 2026, kicking off at the D23 Expo. It spans Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line, plus Disney's studios, streaming and ESPN. Brands like Heinz, Philadelphia and Kraft Mac & Cheese will appear in new dining concepts, themed activations and branded experiences, including iconic spots like Main Street, U.S.A 
• OpenAI – In December, Disney signed a three-year licensing and investment agreement making it the first major content partner for Sora, OpenAI's generative video platform. Starting early 2026, fans can create shareable videos and images using over 200 licensed characters and assets from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars – excluding actual talent likenesses and voices, keeping performers' rights protected. 
• Coca-Cola – Disney's longest-running corporate partnership, dating to the 1950s when Walt Disney enlisted Coca-Cola to help finance his first theme park. The relationship has spanned decades, continuing through Disneyland's opening day and Walt Disney World's development, with Coca-Cola remaining a consistent beverage sponsor across parks, resorts and major Disney events well into the present day. 
• McDonald’s – A long-running Disney World dining partner, historically sponsoring attractions like Animal Kingdom's Restaurantosaurus and the Dinosaur ride from 1998–2008 (still visible in the ride's mayo/mustard/ketchup pipe details). While the McDonald's-branded ride sponsorship has faded, the partnership reflects Disney's decades-long pattern of blending fast-food brands into park dining and attractions.