Chris Heatherly
VP/GM, Disney Electronics
CTO, Disney Toys
The Walt Disney Company
TOPIC: When worlds collide - Online worlds meet real world product >>MORE
BIO
Chris Heatherly was named general manager & vice president, Global Electronics, Disney Consumer Products in 2004. In this role, he oversees product innovation and development, drives key licensee and retailer relationships, and leads a global team of employees in five regions.
Heatherly came to DCP from frog design, where he was a chief strategist, managing the cross-functional strategic consulting practice for the legendary design firm. Prior to that, he held several positions at frog design as well as with Power Computing.
During his tenure, Disney Electronics has continued to innovate in the global youth electronics marketplace. In 2005, the tremendously successful Disney Mix Stick Player was introduced; this MP3-player for kids earned critical praise and sold-out at retail during the critical Holiday shopping period. According to The NPD Group Inc., the Mix Stick now ranks as the Top 10 flash-based MP3 Player brand in the marketplace. In 2006, Disney expanded its line of digital electronics to include a new line of digital cameras and a brand new portable multimedia player, the Disney Mix Max, which plays movies, music and photos on a 2.8-inch LCD screen.
Character-themed electronics are also a booming business for Disney Electronics. In the past few years, Disney Electronics has expanded its line of Pirates of the Caribbean- and Disney Princess-themed electronics to include new lines inspired by the Disney*Pixar film, Cars, as well as Disney Channel’s original movie, High School Musical, and the wildly popular Disney Channel TV series, Hannah Montana. In 2008, Disney will further expand its offering to include digital cameras for preschoolers and an all-new line of products tied into the popular Disney Fairies franchise.
The integration of Disney Electronics with Disney Toys enables Disney to remain on the cutting edge of the marketplace with compelling products for kids and tweens, fostering creativity through new technologies.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Jesse H. Jones School of Communications, University of Texas at Austin.
