Nancy Kanter Promoted to EVP Creative Strategy Role

Disney Junior Worldwide general manager Nancy Kanter has been promoted to executive vice president of content and creative strategy for Disney Channels Worldwide, said company officials.

In addition to oversight of the toddler-targeted Disney Junior, Kanter’s new duties will include the content creation strategy that guides the development of original live action and animated programming for kids age 6-14 on Disney Channel and Disney X, said Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, to whom she will continue to report.

"Nancy is a formidable leader with exceptional creative instincts and a personal passion for great storytelling. Her track record in launching and steering Disney Junior into becoming the number one preschooler-dedicated network is a testament to her relentless focus on excellence," said Marsh. "I look forward to her daily partnership in aligning and guiding the creative strategy and content for our animation and live-action storytelling teams."

Kanter added:"The Disney Channels Worldwide creative teams have consistently set the bar at the highest level when it comes to offering stories and characters that resonate with audiences worldwide and also become cultural icons that endure. I am excited to work with our multi-talented development and production teams and hope to be able to contribute meaningfully to this legacy of extraordinary storytelling."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.