Heatherly Joins NBCUniversal
Chris Heatherly has been named executive vice-president, Worldwide Games and Digital Platforms for NBCUniversal’s Games and Digital Platforms Division. It was announced by Vince Klaseus, president, NBCUniversal Brand Development. Heatherly will join NBCUniversal Brand Development September 30, and report directly to Klaseus.
NBCUniversal Brand Development’s Games and Digital Platforms business unit creates interactive gaming experiences and digital content for console, mobile, and PC platforms. The team is also responsible for business development opportunities utilizing NBCUniversal IP through apps, personalization, and digital content.
Heatherly most recently served as senior vice-president and general manager, for Disney’s Games and Apps business since 2014. While at Disney, he led strategy, management, and operations for DCPI’s content in the App Store as well as its licensed console games. In this role, he launched a series of top-grossing mobile hits, including Star Wars Commander, Inside Out: Thought Bubbles, and Disney Emoji Blitz. He also solidified Disney’s licensing portfolio, with the launch of Star Wars Battlefront, Disney’s biggest console release ever. And he worked alongside Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, LucasFilm, Disney Channel, and Marvel to leverage their IP on digital platforms.
Heatherly previously served as senior vice-president and general manager of Disney Interactive’s Kids Business. He was also an advisor to the president of The Disney Store, Imagination Park, advising on the redesign of The Disney Store’s ‘Imagination Park’ format, and served on the Walt Disney Company Tech Board. Prior to Disney, Heatherly held several managerial positions in product development and brand strategy at frogdesign, Power Computing, and Apple.