Disney Names Jason Recher Senior VP of Digital Marketing

Disney appointed its new Vice President of Digital Marketing and Creator Partnerships earlier this year however it has only just been officially announced. 

Announced 16 October via LinkedIn, Jason Recher said: “(I) have loved working together with a new blended team of storytellers filled with creativity and passion for Disney.”

In his LinkedIn post, Jason also paid homage to Disney’s history by adding: “An incredible company founded 103 years ago today by two brothers from Missouri with a little spare change and a lot of imagination.”

A career full of magic

Jason’s announcement also recognised nearly nine years at Disney, serving in various roles across different sectors.

He first joined Disney as Director of Public Affairs and Executive Communications in 2017 and was later promoted to Vice President, Global Public Relations in 2020.

During his time with Disney, Jason has overseen segment content creation and digital integration strategies, managed global public relations for Disney Experiences and led public affairs across the company.

Prior to joining Disney, Jason served as Director, Coastal Wildlife and Species Survival Centre at the Audubon Nature Institute between 2012-2017. His work involved leading wildlife conservations, overseeing projects to ensure species survival and publicly reaching out or educating communities on the importance of conservation efforts.

In his new role, one of his responsibilities will now involve handling high-profile collaborations, such as Disney’s recently acquired partnership with Dude Perfect.

Disney’s leadership shakeup

Disney has shaken up their leadership team across 2026 and even appointed its first Head of Marketing Tech and Operations earlier this year. 

After three decades of experience at Microsoft, Jennifer Creegan joined the company in September and works across various divisions as well as with tech and data teams.

Both its recent appointments align with the era of bold expansion that Disney has embraced and contributes to continuously bringing meaningful impact on a global scale.

Disney’s 2026 marketing has been centred around a unified ecosystem, driven by data, that blends film, streaming and consumer products into a single “Total Consumer View”.

With help from Chief Marketing Officer Asad Ayaz, the brand has refined its strategy to ensure maximum revenue per customer across its platforms and using data personalisation to work out what consumers would like to see from Disney.

Jason will now continue to help execute this strategy in his new role.

Who are Disney's Key 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.