Chuck Saftler will leave in October having been key figure in growth of FX
Veteran Disney exec Chuck Saftler is to leave the company after more than three decades.
Saftler, who most recently headed acquisitions for Disney networks including ABC, Freeform, FX and Nat Geo, joined the company in 1993 but will leave 16 October.
He was a key figure for FX Networks, becoming its president of programming strategy, and was behind FXX’s deal for The Simpsons in 2013.
Saftler also led business operations for the brand, as well as Disney siblings ABC and Freeform, and wrote in a memo that he is exploring “a new professional chapter”.
His remit is to be picked up by Sean Cocchia, exec vice president of global entertainment networks at Disney Entertainment Television.
In a note to staff, president of Disney platform distribution, Jimmy Zasowski, said: “Chuck has no doubt left an indelible mark on the business and his contributions have shaped the team in lasting ways.”
John Landgraf, chairman of FX and Debra O’Connell, chairman of Disney Entertainment Television, added: “Chuck’s enduring commitment and countless contributions over the past three decades have had a profound impact on the company.
“Chuck was a part of FX from the very beginning and played a defining role in shaping and strengthening the network at every stage. His intelligence, humility and remarkably good judgment have made him a trusted voice, and his influence will be felt for years to come.”
Saftler’s note read: “After more than 32 years with Disney, I have made the decision to step down from my role as I consider a new professional chapter.
“It’s hard to put into words what these three decades have meant to me. I had the extraordinary opportunity to help build FX from its earliest days and then to take on new leadership roles across Disney Entertainment Television. I’m incredibly proud of what we built, the stories we told and, most of all, the people I had the privilege of doing it with.” US trade Deadline broke the news.
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