Disney|ABC Hires Wal-Mart Insights Exec Cindy Davis

In the US, broadcaster Disney|ABC Television Group has hired former Wal-Mart exec Cindy Davis as Executive Vice President, Consumer Experience.

The company comprises the radio and TV news and entertainment properties of The Walt Disney Company, including ABC Studios, the ABC Owned Television Stations Group, and the ABC Television Network. The last of these provides entertainment, news and kids programming to viewers via more than 200 affiliated stations across the US.

Davis (pictured) joins from retail giant Wal-Mart, where she served as EVP of Global Customer Insights and Analytics, leading a team that helps understand broad customer trends. She joined the company in 2007, prior to which she was President of Global Development and Communications at direct marketing agency Rapp Collins Worldwide. Previously, she was VP of Brand Marketing for the Pizza Hut division of Yum! Brands, and earlier she worked at Promus Hotel Corporation, Starwood Vacation Ownership and Harrah's Entertainment.

In her new role, Davis will be responsible for helping improve the firm's research / consumer insights and analytic capabilities, and developing an overall consumer experience strategy.

The company has also hired former AOL Head of Strategy John Frelinghuysen as EVP of Digital Media, Strategy and Business Development, and both he and Davis will report to Ben Sherwood, President, Disney|ABC Television Group. Commenting on the appointments, Sherwood said: 'These two dynamic new leaders bring considerable talent and experience to Disney-ABC that will help drive our business forward and position us for even greater success'.

Web site: www.thewaltdisneycompany.com .