Netflix Alum Emily Feingold Joins Disney as Executive VP of Communications

Emily Feingold, a nine-year Netflix communications veteran, has joined the Walt Disney Co. as executive VP of communications. She will steer media relations, financial and technology communications, plus enterprise editorial, executive and brand messaging.

The move comes five months after Feingold left Netflix. She steps into the role held by David Jefferson, who took Disney's voluntary early retirement offer after 15 years as a senior corporate communications executive at the company. Feingold reports to Paul Roeder, who became senior executive VP and chief communications officer in March, after Josh D'Amaro was tapped as Disney's new CEO.

Feingold built her reputation as a straight-shooter during Netflix's stunning rise, and Roeder made the hire's rationale explicit.

"Emily is one of the best in the business," Roeder said. "She combines sharp instincts, broad experience and the trust and respect of colleagues and journalists alike. She's led communications through some of the most transformative moments in our industry, and she'll be a tremendous asset as we head into an exciting chapter for Disney."

What does this change for Disney?

It puts a battle-tested streaming-industry communicator at the top of Disney's messaging operation at a moment of leadership transition. Feingold's portfolio — media relations, financial and technology communications, enterprise editorial and executive messaging — covers essentially every channel through which Disney talks to press, investors and the public.

Her résumé spans politics, finance and fashion. Before Netflix, she served as senior VP of corporate strategy and communications at private investment firm Andell Inc. and as VP of corporate communications at Ralph Lauren. She began her career at the White House.

Jefferson's exit closes a 15-year run

Jefferson will remain on board through the end of the month to manage the transition. His Disney career had two chapters: he first joined the PR ranks in 2009 at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, left at the end of 2010, then returned in January 2013 in a corporate communications role. He was promoted to exec VP of corporate communications in March 2025.

Before Disney, Jefferson spent 14 years at the Wall Street Journal in a variety of roles, including deputy Los Angeles bureau chief. He also worked as a top editor at Newsweek for eight years, with a later stint at Newsweek and the Daily Beast after his first Disney departure in 2010.

Roeder paid tribute to the outgoing executive in personal terms.

"David has been a trusted voice and steady hand for Disney through some of the most consequential moments in our history," Roeder said. "I've known him since his days as a reporter, and I'm deeply grateful for his counsel, his friendship and everything he's done for this company. I wish him every success in what comes next."

The handoff pairs a new CEO, a newly elevated communications chief and a new exec VP in the same year — a full reset of Disney's messaging leadership as the company heads into what Roeder calls an "exciting chapter."