Casting veteran Davis, known for her brilliant work on ABC series as The Good Doctor, black-ish, and How to Get Away with Murder,
including championing careers of Eva Longoria, Jesse Williams, and Gina Rodriguez, among others has been named president of Disney Branded Television.
Davis in 2016 was named head of Talent and Casting for ABC studio and network, leaving her role as
SVP, Talent and Casting, ABC Entertainment Group where she oversaw all scripted prime-time casting for the ABC network.
Ayo Davis is also noted for having led the implementation and launch of the ABC Discovers Initiative, aimed at discovering budding talents globally.
In her new role as president of Disney Branded Television, Davis will take on the creative and operational leadership of the content group, geared towards the Disney Plus streaming platform and Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior linear networks. Davis will report to Peter Rice, chairman of Disney General Entertainment.
“Ayo is a focused leader with impeccable creative instincts who’s excelled in every role she’s held at Disney,” Rice shared in a statement. “Her creative eye for talent has made a meaningful impact in front of and behind the camera, from iconic shows across our networks that were defined by their casting choices to building a roster of creative talent that will redefine family programming at Disney Branded Television. She’s the absolute perfect person to lead the team at a time they are broadening their remit to develop more family programming across streaming and cable distribution. I’m excited to watch all she will accomplish.”
She succeeds Gary Marsh who is stepping down to launch his own production company. The announcement was made on September 23rd.
Davis is a graduate of Dillard University,
Recall just last year Davis was appointed to the role of executive vice president of creative development and strategy under Gary Marsh.
As the President of Disney Branded Television, Davis will oversee content programming for families, kids, teens, and tweens. She will be responsible for the strategy, development, and production of Disney XD, Disney Junior, and Disney Channel.
“I am beyond grateful to Peter Rice and Gary Marsh for their extraordinary leadership, support, and mentorship,” added Davis. “It’s a tremendous honor to continue Gary’s legacy of delighting kids and families through Disney Branded TV’s unparalleled storytelling, and it’s an amazing time for kids and family programming.
Many people are thrilled to work with Davis in this new leadership role. While at Disney, she’s been able to create meaningful partnerships and attract high-caliber projects. She’s brought more diverse stories to the table and has strengthened the brand’s reputation. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Ayo has been making an impact at Disney for nearly two decades.
“We have been working with Ayo over the past year on scripted and unscripted series, and she’s second to none as a partner and collaborator,” says Chris McCumber, Blumhouse TV President. “She has impeccable taste, great creative instincts, and she’s a generous human being. Her new appointment is well deserved.”
