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Seth Cohen
Director/Head of Executive Search at Walt Disney Television
Professional Background
Mr. Seth Cohen currently serves as the Head of Executive Search at Walt Disney General Entertainment Content, a prestigious division of The Walt Disney Company renowned for its creation of engaging television content across various platforms including broadcast, cable, and streaming services. This division houses esteemed brands such as ABC Entertainment, FX Networks, National Geographic Television, Disney Branded Television, Freeform, ABC Signature, 20th Television, ABC News, Disney+, and Hulu. He was selected to initiate the Executive Search function at the slightly smaller Disney-ABC Television Group in June 2014, and his impact has been significant, reflecting his deep understanding of the media landscape and exceptional talent acquisition skills.
Before joining Disney, Mr. Cohen brought his expertise to Borden Media Consulting as a Senior Consultant. In this role, he specialized in high-level management consulting and executive placement for media and entertainment organizations. His comprehensive skill set at BMC included strategic planning, organizational design, process evaluation, and both internal and external communications, along with executive coaching, which collectively contributed to enhancing operational efficiencies for numerous clients.
In addition to his consulting work, Mr. Cohen has held advisory roles that expanded his influence within the media sector. He served as an advisor to iKlipz.com, an online community focused on independent film and short-form content, and provided strategic counsel to Channel M, an innovator in the in-store advertising marketplace, specifically regarding content distribution systems and technologies.
Mr. Cohen’s experience is rich and varied; prior to his notable consulting and executive search roles, he made significant contributions as a producer in non-scripted television. He played a pivotal role in the launch of NBC's acclaimed reality series "The Apprentice," where he worked as a Producer for its initial two seasons, earning two Emmy nominations and a Producers Guild Award nomination in recognition of his outstanding work. His producing credits are extensive and include notable projects such as VH1’s "Late World with Zach," where he partnered with comedian Zach Galifianakis, and NBC’s coverage of the 2002 Winter Olympics, for which he received an Emmy Award.
Moreover, Mr. Cohen was instrumental in the early development of the Emmy-nominated franchise "Behind the Music" on VH1, serving as a Producer during its inception in 1997. His impressive portfolio is further enhanced by numerous productions spanning across networks such as Bravo, The WB, FBC, and Oxygen.
In the early stages of his career, Mr. Cohen honed his skills in commercial production and simultaneously worked as a freelance writer for prominent publications such as Rolling Stone Magazine and the Los Angeles Times. His diverse background has equipped him with a unique vantage point on both the creative and operational facets of the media and entertainment industry.
Education and Achievements
Seth Cohen's academic journey features a robust foundation in history, having earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Michigan. He furthered his education by pursuing an MBA at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he focused on Finance, affording him a strong comprehension of financial principles that will serve him well in his career.
In addition to his formal education, Mr. Cohen has benefited from exposure to global business perspectives through his studies at the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business. This educational background positions him as not only a practitioner in the media industry but also as a thought leader capable of navigating the complexities of executive searches and talent management in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
Notable Achievements
Mr. Cohen's acclaimed contributions to the television industry are widely recognized. His involvement with "The Apprentice" resulted in two Emmy nominations and a prestigious Producers Guild Award nomination. Additionally, his EMMY Award won during his work on the NBC coverage of the 2002 Winter Olympics underscores his capability in delivering compelling television content that resonates with audiences.
Moreover, Seth's pioneering role in the development of VH1's influential series "Behind the Music" illustrates his foresight in recognizing emerging trends and storytelling formats in the music and entertainment industry. His accolades and extensive producing credits, combined with his strategic insights gained through consulting roles, clearly position him as a highly respected leader in the field of media and entertainment.
Conclusion
Seth Cohen’s career trajectory exemplifies a blend of creative and strategic skills that are essential in today's dynamic media environment. As the Head of Executive Search at one of the most revered companies globally, he continues to set high standards in the industry, ensuring that the future leaders of entertainment reflect the innovative spirit of his organization.
