Biography
Robert Zepeda is an award-winning strategic media leader and creative producer based in Los Angeles. Over his 16+ year career at ABC News and across The Walt Disney Company, he has served as an operational leader, strategic advisor, and driving force behind high-visibility television programming, special events, and cross-enterprise initiatives.
Currently serving as Senior Producer for ABC News Newsgathering, Robert acts as a key strategic partner and editorial advisor to network leaders, aligning content strategy with broader organizational goals. Beyond editorial guidance, he sits at the intersection of enterprise synergy—fostering high-impact relationships and joint operational efforts across multiple Disney divisions including Disney Experiences (Parks), Disney Entertainment Television (DET), ABC Owned Television Stations, and Disney Studios.
A seasoned leader in high-pressure and sometimes hazardous environments, Robert oversees end-to-end logistics, production strategy, and cross-functional teams of 100+ for major global broadcasts and live events—including the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and global breaking news coverage. Known for his high emotional intelligence and diplomacy, he regularly manages top-tier talent, executive partners, and sensitive bookings with strict confidentiality and integrity.
Driven by a passion for culture and community, Robert serves as founding Co-Lead of Pride @ DET (formerly PRIDE @ ABC News + OTV), partnering with Communications and People & Culture teams to champion employee engagement and internal alignment across the enterprise.
His body of work—spanned across ABC, Hulu, Disney+, and major network specials—has earned prestigious industry honors, including 8 Emmy Awards, 2 Peabody Awards, 2 GLAAD Media Awards, 2 Edward R. Murrow Awards, and a Gracie Award. Notable career highlights include executive producing the GLAAD and NLGJA award-winning primetime special PRIDE | To Be Seen, senior producing the Emmy-winning Soul of a Nation franchise, and developing the global GMA Mickey’s 90th anniversary campaign spanning every Disney Theme Park worldwide—which helped raise $2M for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Whether shaping network specials, preparing high-level pitch decks and network look books, directing major productions in the field or filming dynamic photography as an FAA-licensed drone pilot, Robert brings an innovative, agile, and solutions-oriented approach to executive leadership and storytelling.
Robert is also a member of the Television Academy, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and a lifetime memeber of the LGBTQ+ Journalist Association (NLGJA).