Walt Disney Company has brought on board former Netflix executive Tehmina Jaffer, to help launch and run its upcoming streaming service, Disney+. Jaffer is hired as the conglomerate’s business affairs senior VP for Disney+’s direct-to-consumer and international segment.
Prior to joining Disney, Jaffer served as the director of original series for Netflix, where she helped develop business strategies for shows like 13 Reasons Why, Narcos and Maniac. She also will work closely with Disney-ABC Television.In her new role, Jaffer “will lead all aspects of business affairs strategy, policy and procedure for the Disney+ content and marketing team.”
Expected to launch later this year, Disney+ is expected to compete with Netflix. WarnerMedia and NBCUniversal also have products in the works that will compete with the worldwide leader in subscription premium streaming.
Disney+ president of content and marketing Ricky Strauss said,”Jaffer is an outstanding executive whose expertise and experience will provide tremendous value as we continue to ramp up our Disney+ original programming efforts. Her insights into the evolving nature of deal-making in the streaming space are vital to our efforts. Jaffer is smart, innovative and hardworking and I couldn’t be more excited to have her join us.”
Disney+ will stream original content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm, serving as the exclusive streaming home for Walt Disney Studios’ films released this year and beyond, including titles as Captain Marvel, Toy Story 4, new versions of Dumbo, The Lion King and Aladdin.