Maryellen Zarakas

Maryellen Zarakas is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in franchise development, marketing, and licensing within the entertainment industry. Currently serving as a Member of the Board of Directors for A Place Called Home since 2011, Zarakas contributes to initiatives that support youth in South Central Los Angeles. Previously, Zarakas held various senior leadership roles at Warner Bros. from 2003 to 2023, including Senior Vice President positions focused on franchise development, management, and worldwide marketing, where strategies for growth and brand optimization were successfully executed. Zarakas also worked at The Walt Disney Company from 1993 to 2003 as Vice President of Disney Consumer Products, overseeing significant sales achievements and developing licensing strategies. Educational credentials include an MBA in Marketing from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology.