Disney Hires Netflix PR Vet Emily Feingold as Comms VP, Replacing David Jefferson

The Walt Disney Co. has named Emily Feingold its new executive VP of communications, overseeing corporate media relations, enterprise editorial, and executive, brand, financial and technology communications.

Feingold starts Nov. 9 and succeeds David Jefferson, the longtime Disney communications executive who has opted to take the company’s early retirement package. Jefferson will remain with Disney through the end of the month to support the transition.

She will report to Paul Roeder, Disney’s senior executive VP and chief communications officer, who was tapped for the top comms role after Josh D’Amaro was named CEO earlier this year.

Feingold was most recently at Netflix, where she was VP and head of communications for the U.S. and Canada, where she advised leadership as it expanded into advertising, gaming and live events, and around the company’s smooth CEO succession process.

Before Netflix, she was senior VP of corporate strategy and communications at Andell Inc., an investment firm and family office, and VP of corporate communications at Ralph Lauren. She also worked in the White House during the Clinton administration.

“Emily is one of the best in the business,” said Roeder in a statement. “She combines sharp instincts, broad experience and the trust and respect of colleagues and journalists alike. She’s led communications through some of the most transformative moments in our industry, and she’ll be a tremendous asset as we head into an exciting chapter for Disney.”

“David has been a trusted voice and steady hand for Disney through some of the most consequential moments in our history,” Roeder added. “I’ve known him since his days as a reporter, and I’m deeply grateful for his counsel, his friendship and everything he’s done for this company. I wish him every success in what comes next.”