Hello, I'm Yaphett K. Powell, J.D., M.B.A..
Yaphett K. Powell is a sports, media & entertainment deal lawyer and executive with over 23 years of U.S. and international experience. As a senior attorney and strategic advisor, he focuses on closing strategic and complex deals, leading high-performing teams, and protecting his clients’ rights and interests. His strengths include advancing global businesses and brands, negotiating and structuring multimillion dollar deals, and building strong business relationships.
Details
- Location
- Years of Relevant Experience20+ years
- Seniority LevelC-Suite
- Highest Level of EducationDoctorate
Current / Most Recent Job Title
Vice President, International Business Affairs, Acquisitions & Licensing
Current / Most Recent Employment
The Walt Disney Company: Disney Streaming Vice President-level senior executive and attorney with expanded responsibility as a lead corporate headquarters-based deal negotiator and advisor for all Disney international territories across a wide variety of content deal types for streaming platforms and linear networks. • Structured, negotiated, drafted, and closed a high volume of scripted and unscripted content production, acquisition, and distribution agreements and term sheets for all types of titles (movies, series, documentaries, etc.) under tight timelines, including work-for-hire commissions, co-productions, licenses, and talent deals. • Led deal negotiations and interactions. Developed strategy tailored to negotiations. Maintained consistency and clarity on key deal terms. Collaborated with Disney business affairs executives and attorneys globally to close deals and drive results. Advised senior management on complex issues and IP rights. Executed global content production and licensing strategy, deal management, business development, and cross-border alignment and partnerships. Led and managed a team of executives. • Partnered with U.S. and international Disney business units. Communicated U.S. deal developments and potential impacts for international territories. Provided deal guidance and recommendations based upon U.S. experience. Oversaw international deal negotiations. Reviewed and approved international agreements. Worked with U.S. and international teams to achieve global scale for content production and licensing activity. Drove holistic, worldwide view with respect to business models. Executive Director, Global Content Acquisition & Licensing, Disney Streaming 5/2021 - 10/2022 In 2021, lateraled to a senior licensing executive role for Disney Streaming SVOD services worldwide (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Star+). • Structured, negotiated, drafted, and closed content acquisition and licensing agreements with global studios and production companies (e.g., Sony, Universal, Paramount, MGM, Lionsgate), internal rights holders (e.g., intercompany agreements with Disney-owned studios such as 20th, Searchlight, FX, and ABC), and various other U.S. and international content licensors. • Led deal negotiations and interactions. Developed strategy tailored to negotiations. Maintained consistency and clarity on key deal terms. Partnered with multiple Disney Streaming teams to close deals and drive results. • Executed global content acquisition and licensing strategy, business development, deal management, business negotiations, and cross-border alignment and partnerships. Partnered closely with Disney's international teams in Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific regions to acquire and produce content and grow Disney’s streaming businesses globally. Led and managed a team of executives. Principal Counsel, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution 9/2015 - 5/2021 Associate Principal Counsel 9/2015 - 9/2017; Principal Counsel 9/2017 - 5/2021: Senior business & legal affairs attorney specializing in negotiating and managing a high volume of complex U.S. and international content licensing, sales, and distribution agreements for Disney’s full portfolio of studios, networks, and streaming services. Led and managed evolving teams of attorneys and paralegals. • Negotiated, structured, drafted, and closed content licensing, sales, and distribution agreements with global digital distribution companies (e.g., Netflix, Apple, Google, Amazon), MVPDs (e.g., Comcast), external and internal content rights holders, and other U.S. and international content licensors and licensees. Broad experience with both inbound and outbound content licensing deals and a wide variety of content distribution business models, including subscription and television business models (SVOD, AdVOD, linear), transactional business models (EST, TVOD), and app-based business models. • Led business and legal affairs interaction with external parties (e.g., external rights holders and licensees), internal rights holders (e.g., Disney-owned studios), and internal stakeholders (e.g., sales, marketing, operations, and finance). Developed strategy tailored to negotiations. Drove negotiations to optimize revenue and minimize risk. Assimilated new business models into existing agreements. Maintained consistency and clarity on key deal terms. Advised senior executives and business teams on complex licensing, sales, and distribution issues, including content marketing/promotion and intellectual property rights.
Industry
- Entertainment Providers
- Professional Services
Specific Jurisdictions That I'm Qualified In or Can Cover
Language(s)
- English, United States
Professional Membership / Certification
California Bar, Florida Bar
Areas of Professional Interest
Sports, Media & Entertainment Global: U.S. and International