Kevin Mayer, the chairman of Disney’s direct-to-consumer streaming division, has resigned from the company to lead TikTok as CEO of the social video app.
He has been chairman of Disney’s direct-to-consumer and international segment since its founding in 2018. In that role, he oversaw the launches of Disney Plus and ESPN Plus and the integration of Hulu.
He was thought to be in contention for CEO, but was passed over earlier this year when Bob Iger named Bob Chapek as his successor.
“Kevin has had an extraordinary impact on our company over the years, most recently as head of our direct-to-consumer business,” Chapek said in a statement. “He has done a masterful job of overseeing and growing our portfolio of streaming services, while bringing together the creative and technological assets required to launch the hugely successful Disney Plus globally.”
Mayer’s appointment will be effective June 1, when he will also become chief operating officer of China’s ByteDance Technology Co, which owns TikTok.
Disney veteran Rebecca Campbell will take over as Disney’s head of streaming, the company announced in a news release. Campbell is a 23-year veteran of the Disney company and has held leadership roles across Disney’s media, international and parks businesses.
Campbell, who will now oversee Disney Plus and the rest of the company’s streaming businesses, has been with the company for 23 years. Under her purview in her new position are Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, Hulu and Hotstar, as well as Disney’s international channels, Fox Networks International and Star India. Prior to leading Disneyland, Campbell served as president its Disney’s businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and was responsible for launching Disney Plus in the region. Chapek called Campbell “an exceptionally talented and dedicated leader with a wealth of experience in media, operations and international businesses.”
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