Rich Ross

[4] Ross discussed his plans for Discovery Channel on January 8, 2015 at the 2015 Television Critics Association press tour that included hiring key senior level executives to oversee documentaries and specials, as well as scripted programming.

As vice president of program enterprises at Nickelodeon, Ross was involved in all original-programming deals and launched Nick News with Linda Ellerbee into syndication.

He is credited with establishing Disney's global kids' TV business as the prime entertainment source for the tween market with shows like Hannah Montana, Lizzie McGuire,[8] Wizards of Waverly Place, Shake It Up,The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and The Suite Life on Deck, That's So Raven and Phineas and Ferb.

Popular Playhouse Disney shows developed during his tenure include Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Films released during Ross' tenure include the billion-dollar hits Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Disney's Alice in Wonderland and Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 3, which are three of the top 11 highest-grossing films of all time;[14] Disney's The Muppets; DreamWorks Studios' The Help; and Disney-Pixar's Cars 2.

[18] Due to the film's weak North American performance compared to its high production and marketing costs, Disney expected the film would generate a loss of about $200 million during its second fiscal quarter,[19] although its box office strength outside North America led some analysts to speculate that the write-down would be significantly less than expected.

[20] Ross left Disney on April 20, 2012, with the underperformance of John Carter and Mars Needs Moms cited as reasons for his departure.

[24] He was responsible for the ongoing commercial strategy of the Shine Group in the United States, overseeing production, distribution and marketing of original programming across broadcast, cable and digital platforms.

He oversaw creative and brand strategy, development, production, marketing and all day-to-day operations for the four networks across all platforms that includes digital and social media.