Walt Disney International, a part of The Walt Disney Company, announced a rejig in the Asia management structure that has resulted in creation of two regional hubs North Asia and South Asia.
The North Asia hubwill see the merger of Japan, South Korea and Greater China under the leadership of Luke Kang, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Walt Disney International, North Asia.
The South Asia hub merges India with the company’s integrated South East Asian regional markets of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam under the leadership of Mahesh Samat, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Walt Disney International, South Asia.
“This new structure aligns and maximises efficiencies around regions with similar opportunities and creates the momentum to accelerate growth for the company in these markets,” said Andy Bird, chairman, Walt Disney International (WDI).
The restructure is an effort for the company to accelerate revenue in China, produce growth across Japan and Europe and provide access to emerging markets throughout Latin America and South East Asia.
In his current capacity of MD, The Walt Disney Company Greater China, Luke Kang has led the organisation (excluding Disney’s Parks and Resorts division) to achieve record growth across all business segments.
“The region’s ever-changing media and entertainment landscape as well as dynamic consumer products market provides incredible opportunity to continue to forge connections with our brands and franchises to drive growth,” said Kang.
Mahesh Samat returned to lead The Walt Disney Company India in November 2016, a position he previously held from 2008-2012 as the Disney’s acquisition of UTV Software Communication in India failed to stimulate the desired growth that resulted in exit of Ronnie Screwalla and Siddharth Roy Kapoor from the drivers seat that subsequently resulted in closure of its Studio Business in India despite producing mega-hit movies like Amir Khan starrer Dangal.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead both teams to create new, innovative ways for audiences to engage with our stories, brands and characters, and drive growth across our businesses,” said Samat.
