Overview
- Disney announced Thursday, August 20, 2026 that Chuck Saftler will step down from his acquisitions role with his last day in the office set for October 16.
- Saftler most recently served as head of acquisitions for ABC, Disney Kids and Family, FX and National Geographic inside Disney’s Platform Distribution group.
- After a transition period, Sean Cocchia, EVP of Global Entertainment Networks, Research and Business Operations, will take on Saftler’s responsibilities and integrate the team into his portfolio.
- Saftler built a long institutional legacy at FX and Disney through movie output and off‑network deals — most notably a 2013 agreement for The Simpsons that later helped populate Disney+ — and through models like FX’s 10+90 episode approach.
- The move consolidates control over legacy TV libraries and rights at Disney, which could speed how shows and movie output are placed on networks and streaming platforms and leaves open the possibility that Saftler will pursue new industry roles.