Disney names Ayo Davis to lead branded TV, replacing veteran Gary Marsh

Ayo Davis

Disney has promoted its EVP of creative development & strategy to replace the long-serving Gary Marsh as head of its kids and family-focused branded TV division.

Ayo Davis becomes president & chief creative officer at Disney’s branded television unit, with her promotion coming less than a year since she took up her most recent role.

Before that, Davis had spent almost two decades working across talent including being EVP of talent & casting for ABC Entertainment and Disney+.

She has worked on shows including The Good Doctor for Disney’s ABC, How To Get Away With Murderx and Black-ish.

Her new remit includes oversight of creative development and production for Disney-branded shows destined for its streamer, Disney+, and linear services such as Disney Junior and Disney Channel.

She will oversee programming, strategy, development, current, production, casting, business affairs and marketing for scripted, unscripted and animation.

Davis reports into Disney’s general entertainment chairman Peter Rice and will oversee execs including Disney Junior’s SVP of originals Joseph D’Amrosia and VP of unscripted & specials Marc Buhaj.

She replaces Marsh, who revealed earlier this week he would be leaving his role after more than three decades with the Mouse House to form his own production firm. The company already has a deal with Disney.

Rice said: “Ayo is a focused leader with impeccable creative instincts who’s excelled in every role she’s held at Disney.

“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.”

Davis added: “It is a tremendous honour 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.”