Strategic Advisor & Executive
Most executives are either builders or operators. Dara Sanderson is both. With over 25 years spanning Marvel, Disney, ABC, USA TODAY, and multiple startups, she brings strategic vision and hands-on execution to companies that need more than advice.
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About
Most executives are either builders or operators. Dara Sanderson is both. With over 25 years of experience spanning Marvel, Disney, ABC, USA TODAY, and multiple startups, she brings a rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on execution to companies that need more than advice. She helps digital businesses build better products, sharper organizations, and more durable revenue.
Dara is a builder by nature. She has run companies, sold a company (Dictionary.com), negotiated major content partnerships, and built AI-powered applications herself. She doesn't just advise — she executes.
In 2020, while serving as VP of New Media Platforms at Marvel Entertainment, Dara sat down for an extended conversation as part of The Walt Disney Company's Women in Tech series. She talks about the winding road into tech, impostor syndrome, what it actually means to lead a team, and why communication matters more than technical skill.
Services
For companies with digital products that aren't performing to their potential. Dara assesses what exists, identifies the gaps between what's built and what the business needs, and creates a clear roadmap forward.
For companies that have grown into dysfunction or outpaced their own structure. Dara assesses how the organization is actually working versus how it thinks it's working, and recommends concrete changes.
For digital businesses that have audience but aren't converting it into durable revenue. Subscriptions, sponsorship, partnerships, commerce — Dara has built monetization models across all of them.
For companies looking to expand their content portfolio or reach through external relationships. Dara knows how to identify the right partners, structure deals, and build relationships that deliver real value.
For companies that know AI matters but aren't sure where to start or how to move from conversation to execution. Dara brings both strategic clarity and hands-on technical experience, having built AI-powered applications herself.
Not sure which service fits your situation?
Reach out and let's talk →Experience
VP & General Manager, PLAY
Built PLAY from a fragmented set of products into a unified entertainment destination. Secured a landmark content partnership with a major entertainment IP holder. Delivered 40% audience growth, 20% revenue growth, and triple-digit registration growth in the 60 days post-relaunch.
Chief Executive Officer
Rebuilt the leadership team, repositioned the brand for EdTech, and successfully negotiated the sale of the company.
VP, New Media Platforms
Led a team of 45 across product, engineering, design, and CRM. Launched the redesigned Marvel.com and expanded the Insider loyalty program.
Chief Product Officer
Created the company's first product roadmap and built its first Project Management and QA functions. Evolved the referral program into a full loyalty platform.
Director of Product, ABC Family
Oversaw digital product strategy across ABC Family and ABC Daytime. Launched three iOS apps including an early TV Everywhere product.
Engineering & Product Roots
Foundations in engineering and product at Fox Digital Media, Diamond Web Services, WebMD, and Yahoo!/HotJobs. The technical depth informs everything that came after.
Ready to bring this kind of experience to your organization?
Let's talk →Contact
Dara takes on a selective number of engagements each year, working closely with clients rather than at arm's length. If you're working on something serious, she'd like to hear about it.
Get in touch
dara@darasanderson.comPast clients and colleagues are always welcome to reach out directly. No pitch needed — if you think there's a fit, that's enough.