Disney Hires Nike Veteran Ron Faris to Head Consumer Products Marketing
Nike alum Ron Faris is trading in sneakers for mouse ears.
Disney hired Faris as senior VP of global marketing for Disney Consumer Products, the company’s division that produces products spanning toys, T-shirts, apps, books, console video games and more. In the new role, Faris will oversee Disney Consumer Products’ global marketing strategies across its regional and global licensing teams, as well as the organization’s games, publishing and retail businesses. He reports to Tasia Filippatos, president of Disney Consumer Products.
Prior to joining Disney, Faris spent nine years at Nike, most recently as global VP and GM of Nike Virtual Studios and the “.Swoosh” brand, where he was tasked with “modernizing” Nike’s brand marketing and storytelling for Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers through video game, creator and social platforms. Prior to that role, Faris spent six years as global VP and GM of the SNKRS App, Nike’s storytelling and commerce platform that was launched in more than 55 countries and has generated more than $1.5 billion in revenue.
Faris previously was founder and CEO of Virgin Mega, a social and mobile commerce company (which was acquired by Nike), and was head of brand marketing for Virgin Mobile USA. Earlier in his career, he was director of strategic partnerships for Atari.
“Ron’s impressive track record combined with his passion in this space make him the ideal candidate to lead our marketing teams around the world as we explore new opportunities to connect with our audiences in memorable and unexpected ways,” Filippatos said in a statement.
Faris commented: “Disney’s unparalleled dedication to blending storytelling and innovation to reach fans of all ages across its broad consumer base is a purpose that resonates deeply with me both professionally and personally. With the company’s vast library of iconic stories, characters and lore, I look forward to driving deeper cultural relevance and meeting these fans where they are in an ever-evolving consumer landscape.”
Disney hired Faris as senior VP of global marketing for Disney Consumer Products, the company’s division that produces products spanning toys, T-shirts, apps, books, console video games and more. In the new role, Faris will oversee Disney Consumer Products’ global marketing strategies across its regional and global licensing teams, as well as the organization’s games, publishing and retail businesses. He reports to Tasia Filippatos, president of Disney Consumer Products.
Prior to joining Disney, Faris spent nine years at Nike, most recently as global VP and GM of Nike Virtual Studios and the “.Swoosh” brand, where he was tasked with “modernizing” Nike’s brand marketing and storytelling for Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers through video game, creator and social platforms. Prior to that role, Faris spent six years as global VP and GM of the SNKRS App, Nike’s storytelling and commerce platform that was launched in more than 55 countries and has generated more than $1.5 billion in revenue.
Faris previously was founder and CEO of Virgin Mega, a social and mobile commerce company (which was acquired by Nike), and was head of brand marketing for Virgin Mobile USA. Earlier in his career, he was director of strategic partnerships for Atari.
“Ron’s impressive track record combined with his passion in this space make him the ideal candidate to lead our marketing teams around the world as we explore new opportunities to connect with our audiences in memorable and unexpected ways,” Filippatos said in a statement.
Faris commented: “Disney’s unparalleled dedication to blending storytelling and innovation to reach fans of all ages across its broad consumer base is a purpose that resonates deeply with me both professionally and personally. With the company’s vast library of iconic stories, characters and lore, I look forward to driving deeper cultural relevance and meeting these fans where they are in an ever-evolving consumer landscape.”