Chuck Saftler, Top TV Acquisition Executive & FX Veteran, Leaving Disney After 32 Years
Chuck Saftler, one of Disney's most senior television acquisitions executives, is leaving the company after a 32-year career that began at FX before its merger with Disney. His departure marks the end of an era for FX, where he was the network's longest-serving employee and had been part of its founding team, and reflects a broader reshuffle within Disney's Platform Distribution division.
Saftler joined FX in December 1993 as Director of Scheduling, seven months before the network launched, and went on to hold senior roles including President of Program Strategy and Chief Operating Officer of FX Networks. Most recently he served as Head of Acquisitions for ABC, Disney Kids and Family, FX and Nat Geo under Platform Distribution President Jimmy Zasowski. His last day will be 16 October 2026, and he is not retiring but stepping down to "consider a new professional chapter." Sean Cocchia, an EVP at Disney Entertainment Television, will absorb his responsibilities, while colleagues including FX Chairman John Landgraf and Disney Entertainment Television Chairman Debra O'Connell praised his judgement and lasting impact on the business.
- Chuck Saftler is leaving Disney after 32 years, exiting 16 October.
- He helped launch FX in 1994 and became a top executive there.
- Sean Cocchia will take over his acquisitions responsibilities.
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FX was a new US cable television network when Chuck Saftler joined its launch team in 1993. He spent much of his career there, working on which programmes the network showed and later taking senior management roles.
FX became part of Disney, and Saftler’s work later covered programme acquisitions for several Disney television brands, including ABC, Disney Kids and Family, FX and National Geographic. Jimmy Zasowski leads the Platform Distribution division where Saftler most recently worked; Sean Cocchia is an executive at Disney Entertainment Television who is set to take on his responsibilities.
The changes come as Disney reshapes its Platform Distribution division, which handles the distribution and acquisition of programmes across its brands. Saftler’s long association with FX gives his departure particular significance for the network and its staff.