Albert Cheng, Gary Marsh & Ben Pyne
Albert Cheng
Title: EVP/Chief Product Officer, Digital Media, Disney/ABC Television Group
Years in Cable: 15
Education: MIT; MBA from Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration
Best Advice: Find your passion; play your strengths.
Gary Marsh
Title: President/Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide
Years in Cable: 25
Education: UCLA
Best Advice: Act as if…
Ben Pyne
Title: President, Global Distribution, Disney Media Networks
Years in Cable: 22
Education: BA, Princeton University; MBA, Harvard Business School
Best Advice: Carpe diem
Things are rosy in Disney land, and these three men have a lot to do with it. Marsh’s creative vision drives a roster of consistent hits, including a banner year for Disney Junior in its first 356 days as a Nielsen-rated net, upcoming “Star Wars Rebels” on Disney XD, a string of live-action hits on Disney Channel and upcoming movies like “Descendants,” a look at the offspring of some of Disney’s biggest villains. Cheng remains a pioneer in extending Disney’s reach into digital realms. Next-gen versions of WATCH Disney TVE products are on their way, and will include short-form content and games. And Pyne is crushing distribution barriers, including Disney’s recent Internet-only deal with DirecTV.
Cheng
I watch the majority of programming on this device: iPad
TV show I’d most like to have a cameo in: “Sherlock”
Twitter or Instagram? Twitter
One thing I would do all the time if I could: Songwriting
The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is: Broadband
Favorite Restaurant: every local favorite in Korea-town
Beach or mountains? Beach
Favorite TV show as a kid: “The Electric Company”
The last time I had a good laugh: My wife as color commentator during each episode of “The Bachelor”
If someone forced me to cut the cord and only watch 3 over-the-top shows, they would be: “House of Cards,” “Arrested Development,” Smosh
Marsh
I watch the majority of programming on this device: A big screen TV
TV show I’d most like to have a cameo in: “Mad Money”
John, Paul, George or Ringo? Ringo? Really?!?
I wish Congress would just… Stop lying about their true agenda
My favorite newfound hobby: TsumTsum
My ideal celebrity partner on Dancing with the Stars: Cheryl Burke!
Favorite vacation spot: Idyllwild
Who’s on tap for the next big comeback? Shia LaBeouf
Desert island album: Neil Young, Harvest
Favorite TV show as a kid: “All In The Family”
Pyne
I watch the majority of programming on this device: TV
Oscars or Grammys? Oscars
Favorite Restaurant: Taillevant in Paris
Beach or mountains? Mountains
Dish I can make and that would impress a celebrity chef: Butterfly boneless roast of lamb in tomato and garlic sauce
My favorite business/motivational book: Only the Paranoid Survive by Andy Grave
