Stephanie Logue  

Staff Writer

Gary Marsh, who oversaw the creation of generation-defining programming and a slew of new stars during his 33-year tenure at Walt Disney Co. Is stepping down as president and chief creative officer of Disney Branded Television. He will then introduce a production company backed by Disney General Entertainment. Marsh joined Disney back in 1988 as executive director of programming. In 2005 he was promoted to President of Disney channels worldwide 

Marsh oversaw the creation of a slew of Disney Channel shows, including “High School Musical,” “Hannah Montana,” “Lizzie McGuire,” “Descendants,” “The Proud Family,” and “That’s So Raven,”. He also worked on several Disney Junior shows Such as “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Sofia the First,” All of which became highly profitable franchises. Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and Zendaya are just a few of the celebrities who have benefited from Marsh’s programming. Marsh’s shows have also won many awards Including Emmys, Peabodys, and even some Kids Choice Awards 

According to reports from Yahoo.com and Deadline, Marsh’s plans after stepping down are to start his own production firm, his new firm will assist Disney in producing programming for Disney+ and Disney Channel, some of the new shows that he will be working on include new “Descendants” features, a “Beauty and the Beast” prequel and a new offering based on the “Witch Mountain” series. Marsh is also looking into producing some original works like “Tink,” which stars Peter Pan’s Tinker Bell, and “School for Sensitive Souls,” a new animated musical. 

“For 33 years, I’ve had the greatest job in television,” said Marsh. “The stories we’ve told, the music we’ve created, the stars we’ve discovered, the franchises we’ve built – all of it has entertained and engaged millions of kids and families around the globe. Thanks to the reach of Disney’s streaming platforms, those stories will live forever in the hearts and minds of future generations, alongside all the new stories I look forward to telling. There simply could not be a more compelling or creatively stimulating time to enter the production ranks.” 

Marsh will stay at Disney until the end of 2021. After that Disney’s General Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice is expected to replace him. According to insiders, this change will be announced soon.  

Marsh is the latest high-ranking Disney official to leave the firm following a reorganization of the company last year. Craig Hunegs left in May after his role as president of Walt Disney Television Entertainment changed dramatically as a result of the company moving its focus toward streaming. 

As streaming becomes the most essential aspect of the company’s business, it is revamping its media and entertainment properties. This strategy is proving to be successful within the television outlet. According to Finance.com, Disney Plus has been a smash hit, attracting more than 70 million subscribers in its first year, establishing the Mickey Mouse company as a real challenger to Netflix. Netflix’s CEO Reed Hastings had previously predicted 20 million members “at best” for its new rival.