Disney, ESPN Up Eric Rachtman to SVP of Global Distribution and Strategy

Disney and ESPN Media Networks have announced the promotion of Eric Ratchman to senior vice president, global distribution and strategy. In his new role, Ratchman will continue to manage the domestic affiliate sales and marketing business strategy group and assume additional responsibilities overseeing the global distribution business operations and strategy team for Disney Media Distribution.

He will report to both Ben Pyne, president, global distribution, Disney Media Networks, and David Preschlack, executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing, Disney and ESPN Media Networks; and will continue to be based in Bristol, CT.

“As the world of content distribution continues to get more expansive and complex, we feel strongly that combining these two organizations under Eric will ensure that the entire Disney Media Networks portfolio will be best positioned both domestically and globally for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” says Pyne. “I have worked closely with Eric for many years, and I am confident that his considerable experience and exceptional leadership abilities will be instrumental in our global distribution efforts as we continue to expand the ways we deliver content to consumers and maximize our revenue.”

Adds Preschlack: “Eric’s business acumen, analytical skills, leadership qualities and collaborative nature will ensure that he will be successful in his new role. We look forward to continuing to work with him and his team in the years ahead.”

Most recently, Ratchman served as VP, business strategy for the affiliate sales and marketing group. His continued responsibilities from this role include distribution development opportunities across all platforms for Disney and ESPN Media Networks, overseeing the development of negotiation strategies in support of the affiliate sales and digital media teams. Additionally, he and his team will continue to provide strategic insight into the future direction of the industry and the value of Disney and ESPN Media Networks from a consumer and business perspective.

Ratchman joined ESPN in 2005 as senior manager, business strategy and development. He quickly ascended the ranks, first serving as senior director, affiliate sales in 2006 and then as senior director, business strategy and development in 2007 prior to his promotion to vice president in 2008. In these positions, Ratchman was integral in providing perspective on the competitive landscape and current trends in the media industry.

Prior to joining ESPN, Ratchman was a manager of strategy and business architecture at Accenture (1999-2004) and was a business analyst at Abbott Laboratories (1997-1999). He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry.