John Rood will depart as senior vice president of marketing for Disney Channels Worldwide.
His departure was announced in a staff memo by Disney Channels Worldwide president Gary Marsh. Marsh will now begin the search for Rood’s replacement.
“For all of us who know John, we know that helping others is his true pathway to purpose, meaning and happiness–all of the things that people look for in life but are so hard to find. So I have deep respect for his immediate plan, which is to devote time to his family’s philanthropic passion of providing access to clean water in Malawi, Africa,” Marsh said. “I also know he has not come close to exhausting his appetite for leading great marketing programs and teams — so while he leaves us to pursue admirable ventures around the world, I’m certain his next chapter will include new marketing ventures back here in Los Angeles.”
Rood had been in his current role since 2016. He previously had a decade-long tenure with Disney from 2000-2010, where he served as senior vice president of marketing for ABC Family from 2004-2010.
“I am looking forward to devoting more time and energy towards charitable good works in addition to exploring other ways to innovate in the fast-changing media business,” Rood said. “I have much gratitude to Gary for the opportunity, and such confidence in and admiration for the Disney Channel Marketing department.”
Deadline first reported the news of Rood’s departure.