Disney Names Pakistan-Born Asad Ayaz Its First Chief Marketing and Brand Officer
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Asad Ayaz takes the helm of Disney’s marketing and brand strategy, shaping how millions experience the House of Mouse worldwide.
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Disney just made a big move. Pakistan-born Asad Ayaz has been appointed as the company’s first-ever Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, putting him at the heart of the entertainment giant’s global brand and marketing strategy.
A Global Childhood, A Pop Culture Obsession
Born in Pakistan in 1978 to a senior Air Force officer, Ayaz grew up partly in the Middle East while his father served as a diplomat in Syria and Lebanon. He moved to the US as a teenager, where pop culture quickly became his passion.
In 2024, Ayaz shared that his teenage bedroom walls were plastered with Batman Returns, The Simpsons, and Thelma & Louise—a hint at the creative eye that would later define his career.
Running Disney’s Marketing Everywhere
Ayaz will now oversee Disney’s marketing and brand strategy across studios, streaming platforms, theme parks, and merchandise. In short, if Disney touches your life, chances are Ayaz had a hand in shaping that experience.
Bob Iger, Disney’s CEO, calls the new role “critical” as the company continues to expand globally. He praised Ayaz for over two decades of work turning Disney magic into marketing gold.
“As our businesses have evolved, it’s clear we need a company-wide role that ensures brand consistency and allows customers to seamlessly interact with our wonderful products and experiences,” Iger said. He added that Ayaz is a “perfect fit.”
A Career Built at Disney
Ayaz joined Disney over 20 years ago, led global marketing for Disney+ and the studios, and became Chief Brand Officer in 2023. He holds a Bennington College degree and a master’s in economics from USC, and he started his career in consulting before moving into entertainment.
Making Waves and Breaking Barriers
Now part of the growing club of senior US executives of Pakistani origin, Ayaz reports directly to Iger and will continue shaping how millions around the world experience Disney. Disney executives call him an “exceptional creative leader with serious strategic chops.”