Disney’s Kevin Mayer | Full interview | Code Media 2019

Disney's Kevin Mayer discusses the company's strategy for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, emphasizing harmony across platforms, exclusive content, marketing, and customer retention, while highlighting international expansion and data-driven decision making.

Key takeaways
  • Disney’s Kevin Mayer emphasizes the importance of harmonizing technology platforms across different services, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
  • Despite some missteps, Mayer expresses confidence in the company’s ability to adapt to market changes and improve its services.
  • Mayer notes that the Disney+ launch was successful, with 10 million subscriptions in the first four weeks, and that the service’s popularity has been driven by its exclusive content, such as “The Mandalorian”.
  • He also highlights the importance of marketing and customer retention, stating that the company will continue to invest in these areas to grow the user base.
  • Mayer disagrees with the idea that Disney+ is competing exclusively with Netflix, stating that the service is targeting a different audience and that there is room for multiple players in the market.
  • He mentions that Disney is open to strategic partnerships, such as its deal with Verizon, and that the company will continue to explore opportunities to increase its reach and improve its services.
  • Mayer emphasizes the importance of data in informing programming choices and improving customer experiences.
  • He also highlights the company’s commitment to expansion into international markets, with a focus on Hulu and ESPN+.
  • Mayer notes that the company’s goal is to be judged on subscriber numbers, rather than profits, and that Disney+ will be a key driver of growth.
  • He expresses a willingness to learn from China’s experience with digital streaming and to adapt to local market preferences.
  • Mayer mentions that Disney is open to IP licensing deals, such as the one with Nintendo, and that the company will continue to explore opportunities to expand its content offerings.
  • He also notes that Disney is committed to improving customer service and that the company is investing in this area to ensure a better experience for users.