Kevin Mayer

Co-Founder | Managing Partner at Smash Capital

Kevin has spent decades leading, building and acquiring the premier companies and brands in media and entertainment. He is co-founder and co-ceo (together with Tom Staggs) of Candle Media, a premium content, community, and commerce company whose assets include Moonbug and Hello Sunshine. Kevin is Chairman of DAZN and most recently served as CEO of TikTok and COO ByteDance.

Prior to TikTok, Kevin was Chairman of Disney Direct-to-Consumer and International, where he was responsible for launching Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu and managed all International operations for Disney (excluding Parks). He also led global ad sales, content sales and channel sales. Kevin managed over 25,000 employees around the world and over 60% of Disney revenues.

Prior to that, Kevin served as Chief Strategy Officer for Disney leading all M&A, investments and strategy. He led the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm (Star Wars), BamTech and 21st Century Fox, in addition to many others. He also launched and oversaw Disney Accelerator and VC investments. Kevin was responsible for conceptualizing substantial strategic shifts in Disney’s global businesses.

Kevin holds a BSME from MIT, an MSEE from San Diego State and an MBA from Harvard University.


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