A media and technology professional with 14 years experience in Internet and digital media software engineering and product development. He has authored ten patents, holds an Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy and several nominations, and has spoken at several industry and academic events. He is also currently authoring an academic paper on Interactive Television to be published in 2010. He currently works in Disney-ABC Television's Digital Media group where he has had a broad range of leadership responsibilities in product development, operations, engineering, and strategy.
Ariff's contributions include ABC.com's "Full Episode Player," the industry's first Internet television platform where Ariff developed the software architecture, many product features, and new operational processes that underpin the business. Many of these innovations have helped define industry standards for Internet television and advertising. In addition to leading development of other Disney and entertainment properties, Ariff has also developed expertise at other Fortune 500 companies and high-technology startups. Today, Ariff is on assignment in Europe working on new interactive television initiatives.
Ariff has a BS in Computer Engineering from UC San Diego and is in the final stage of an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management with a focus on Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship.