Keith L. Craig
Founding Member
The former combat hero, now known as "Sgt. Major" Craig, has transitioned from his decorated military career to become a respected multi-hyphenate in the entertainment industry. His notable contributions include work on major studio releases such as Disney's Oscar-winning Coco, The Lion King, Marvel's Black Panther, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Thor: Ragnarok. Currently serving as the Co-Founder and CEO of Porter + Craig Film and Media Distribution in Beverly Hills, California, Craig has established strong partnerships with leading companies such as Escala Entertainment, Maverick Post-Production Studios in Mumbai, India and many more across the globe. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Disney's industry record-breaking $3.7 billion domestic sales in 2019 while serving as the Theatrical Sales and Distribution Manager for their Central Division.
Retired Sergeant Major Keith L. Craig
Career
Entertainment Industry
Keith L. Craig is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, best known for his role as an executive with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. During his tenure, Craig played a crucial role in the distribution of more than 50 high-profile films, including Coco (2018), which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and received acclaim for its storytelling and animation. Black Panther (2018) was another major success under his leadership, earning three Academy Awards, including Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score, and making history as the first superhero film to be nominated for Best Picture. Additionally, Craig contributed to the success of Avengers: Endgame (2019), which became one of the highest-grossing films in Hollywood history with global earnings of $2.8 billion. Keith played a crucial role in driving Disney's box office grosses during his tenure to an impressive total of over $42 billion during major theatrical releases, including Marvel Studios' The Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Thor: Ragnarok, as well as Disney's Aladdin, The Lion King, and Lucasfilm's Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
In addition to his achievements in film distribution, Keith L. Craig is a International Bestselling Author. His first book, Serving to Lead, has garnered widespread acclaim. He has since published his second book, Checkpoint Decoder, and is currently working on a third publication, which is still in development.
Keith L. Craig is a synonymous figure in both entertainment and real estate, known for his roles as Managing General Partner and Founding Member of several influential ventures. He serves as the Chairman and Co-CEO at Porter + Craig Film and Media Distribution, Controlling films, documentaries, and TV series; Top Performance Housing, He is the Real Estate Advisor and service provider for professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL; Craig + Merritt + Ash Entertainment Group, which is affiliated with prestigious award shows parties such as the Oscars, Primetime Emmy Awards, and Golden Globes. Fort Smith International Film Festival and MidAmerica Film Market & Granville Restaurant Investment Group.
Military Career
Keith L. Craig had a distinguished military career, serving 32 years in the United States Army. He retired as the 12th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the commander and the Exchange CEO of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) for Europe and Southwest Asia. His military service took him to over 50 countries and included six combat tours, as well as participation in various humanitarian, disaster relief, and peacekeeping missions garnering 52 awards and decorations including 3 bronze stars which can only be earned through either distinguished performance in a combat zone or exceptional bravery or service. He also received the Legion of Merit, an award that is awarded exclusively to senior officers in the Army Marine Corps Air Force, and Navy and retired as Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the Army.
Craig's military leadership roles were marked by his significant contributions to key operations. During Operation Enduring Freedom, he served as the Support Operations Sergeant Major for the Sustainment Brigade, providing crucial supply support to U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. His efforts were vital in ensuring the effective delivery of essential supplies to combat operations.
In Operation Unified Response, Craig was stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, as the Sergeant Major of the 7th Special Troop Battalion. He played a pivotal role in coordinating humanitarian assistance in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in collaboration with USAID and the World Food Programme. His leadership facilitated the distribution of 13,703 tons of rice and 17 million Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) to nearly 3 million Haitians following the devastating earthquake.
Craig also served at the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he contributed as an Education Advisor, Small Group Leader, and Operations Sergeant Major, helping shape the next generation of military leaders. His previous assignments include roles such as First Sergeant for the 302nd Military Intelligence Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Platoon Sergeant, G3 Operations NCO for the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and Special Troops Battalion S-4 Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge.
During Operation Joint Endeavor, Craig was deployed as part of the multinational peacekeeping Implementation Force in Kaposvar, Hungary, where he served as the Unit Supply NCOIC and Brigade S-4 NCOIC with the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade.
Football Career
Keith L. Craig was a professional football player. Over the course of a decade, He became the most decorated wide receiver in the league, While winning six division championships and earning a reputation for his domination on the field.
Frankfurt Galaxy (NFL Europe)
Keith L. Craig was scouted by John Ralston in 1990, drafted in the first round, and signed a three-year contract with the Frankfurt Galaxy (Atlanta Falcons). from 1990-1993 under head coach Jack Elway. He was teammates with notable players such as Tony Baker and David Diaz-Infante.
Continental Sports Conference (CSC):
Craig played for the Wiesbaden Flyers from 1989 to 1990 and again in 1993. At 6'0" and 190” lbs, he was recognized as the premier receiver in the league due to his game-breaking speed, according to Stars and Stripes newspaper. In 1993, while playing for the Rhein-Main Rockets, he was named CSC All-Conference wide receiver, MVP of the Championship game, and set CSC records with 63 catches for 1,160 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Bundesliga Career
Keith L. Craig experienced a broad football career., playing for the Aschaffenburg Stallions, Rüsselsheim Razorbacks, and Hanau Hawks. He won two Southern Division Championships with the Stallions and three with the Razorbacks, where he was the league's leading scorer in 1994. Additionally, he played one season in France where he was the league’s leading scorer.
Early Life
Keith L. Craig was born on November 29, 1969, in Mobile, Alabama. He completed his higher education with a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College and an MBA from the University of Maryland.
Books
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Serving To Lead ISBN (979-8657300642)
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Checkpoint Decoder ISBN (978-1-963961-64-5)