According to Deadline, John Rouse who has been with the Walt Disney Company for the past 33 years will be retiring soon.
What's Happening:
- John Rouse has been with the Walt Disney Company for the past 33 years, most recently as EVP of Affiliate Relations for the ABC Television Network.
- Rouse announced in a note to ABC affiliates and station group heads that he would be retiring at the end of July.
- His position, which reports to Justin Connolly, President, Disney Platform Distribution, will be refilled.
- 27 of the 33 years he has been with Disney have been spent with ABC.
- Rouse was responsible for setting ABC’s network distribution strategy, negotiating broadcast affiliation agreements, and achieving distribution revenue goals.
- He is also behind maximizing the exposure and local viewership of ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ESPN on ABC, and ABC’s digital distribution initiatives through over 200 stations.
- He worked to establish agreements for new TV series launches, promotions, and expanding platforms.
What They're Saying:
- "I’ve been fortunate to work with the best in the business at The Walt Disney Company, ABC Entertainment, ABC News and ESPN, as well as a collaborative and supportive group of business executives who are just as creative and driven by the pursuit of excellence," Rouse wrote in his note to affiliates. "Although I’m looking forward to this next chapter and being able to spend more time with friends and family, I’ll undoubtedly miss you all a great deal and will be rooting for your continued success."