David Levine Named Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD Worldwide
MARCH 15, 2011 — David Levine has been promoted to Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD Worldwide, it was announced today by Carolina Lightcap, President, Disney Channels Worldwide. Mr. Levine will take on strategic oversight of the multiplatform Disney XD and will focus on fueling its continued growth. The new role is designed to leverage a fast-growing portfolio of brands under the Disney Channels Worldwide banner, to provide more brand-focused leadership and meet an increased commitment to delivering high quality creative content to kids and families. Levine, who joined Disney in 2004, will report to Ms. Lightcap in his General Manager role and, in his program planning and scheduling role, will report to Paul DeBenedittis, Senior Vice President, Programming Strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide.
In making the announcement, Ms. Lightcap said, “David brings dedication and a wealth of experience to this newly created position, and I am confident he will increase our strength by serving as Disney XD’s brand champion, driving the overall strategy and marshaling the many opportunities it offers.”
In the U.S., Disney XD marked its two year anniversary in February and has delivered eighth consecutive quarters of ratings growth on television. Disney XD is available via 21 channels, in 18 languages in 120 countries/territories worldwide.
In the role of Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD Worldwide, Levine will guide Disney XD’s program planning and scheduling and will work with the Programming team to identify acquisition and co-production opportunities. He will broaden his operational scope to include strategic direction for the multiplatform Disney XD brand and 24-hour, ad supported channel in the U.S. He will also support the Disney XD channels around the world in original content development and programming acquisition strategy.
Levine most recently served as Vice President, Worldwide Programming Strategy, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for Disney Channels Worldwide, and was responsible for overseeing global programming and acquisition strategies for the Disney ABC kids’ brands worldwide. He led the task force to launch Disney XD channel in the U.S. and guided its roll out worldwide. Levine created the business model and led negotiations for Disney Channel’s global television movie co-productions and identified both “Harriet the Spy” and “16 Wishes” as co-production projects. He also managed the inception of co-production opportunities for all Disney kids platforms, and furthered the connection Disney Channel has with kids and families by setting strategic direction to globalize local content developed by Disney Channels around the world.
Before joining Disney, Levine was Vice President of Business Affairs and Development, Ragdoll USA, where he oversaw all legal matters and North American television sales. Previously, he was General Counsel to The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company, overseeing the legal group supporting the billion dollar Teletubbies franchise in North/South America. Levine got his start in the industry working for Marvel Entertainment Group overseeing legal compliance of its licensees and working on a variety of intellectual property matters.
He is a member of the New York State Bar, and is a law graduate from George Washington University. He received an undergraduate degree from CUNY-Queens College and resides in Los Angeles.