Disney Chief Brand Officer Asad Ayaz Named as One of the World’s Most Influential CMOs

After Bob Iger returned to Disney’s helm in 2021, the prodigal CEO quickly set about streamlining and reorganizing the company.

To that end, we saw the elimination of certain positions, the layoff of 7,000 employees, and a focus shift, particularly in streaming, where Disney had previously been burning billions of dollars.

Amid this time of change, Iger also named Asad Ayaz the first-ever Chief Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company.

Photo: X-Scott Gustin

Reporting directly to Iger, Ayaz was tasked with “stewarding and elevating the Disney brand globally across the entire ecosystem of company touchpoints and consumer experiences”.

“Asad is an exceptional creative leader with a deep understanding of what Disney means to millions of people around the world,” Iger said. “His taking on this role is particularly noteworthy and consequential as we commemorate our historic 100th anniversary, and I am confident that his strategic, operational, and creative prowess, along with his profound passion for Disney, will make him an outstanding steward of our stories, characters, brands, and franchises.”

Forbes Celebrates Ayaz’s Influence

A longtime Disney executive, Ayaz seemed tailor-made for the role. Perhaps it is no surprise that he has since thrived.

Today, Forbes named Ayaz one of the world’s most influential chief marketing officers.

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“With three titles and three distinct but integrated remits, Ayaz holds one of the most influential marketing roles in entertainment, and shapes how Disney shows up across culture, commerce and marketing storytelling.”

Between Disney’s slate of studios, the Disneyland 70 Celebration, the integration of Hulu and Disney+, and Disney’s expansion into Fortnite, Ayaz has had his plate full.

Photo: Disney

Clearly, however, the executive has delivered.

Josh D’Amaro Congratulates Ayaz

Following Forbes’ announcement, Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro took to LinkedIn to celebrate his coworker.

“Congratulations to Asad Ayaz for being named to Forbes Most Influential CMOs list for 2025. Our creative storytelling is key to our success,” D’Amaro wrote.

“That includes the products, entertainment and experiences we deliver as well as the way in which we present and market ourselves. Asad and his team are the gold standard in the entertainment industry, playing a crucial role in maintaining Disney’s ability to thrive as one of the world’s most relevant brands.”

As Disney boasts one of the broadest entertainment companies in the world, Ayaz has been tasked with navigating multiple platforms in an ever-changing media environment. Thankfully, Bob Iger picked the right man for the job.

Photo: Disney