The Walt Disney Company names new APAC president

Walt Disney has appointed Carol Choi (pictured) as president of Asia Pacific, succeeding Luke Kang who retires after 16 years with the company.

Choi, currently executive vice-president, will assume the role on 1 December. She will oversee Disney Entertainment’s business across the region, including studios, Disney+, local original content production, consumer products, media networks and content sales.

Her remit spans China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

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Choi is a 20-year Disney veteran who has led the company’s studios business, original content strategy and integrated marketing across APAC. She previously served as managing director of Disney in Japan and Korea and held senior leadership positions in Greater China. During her tenure, she has helped launch and grow Disney+, expand the studios business, and establish collaborations with storytellers and talent across the region.

Alan Bergman, chairman of Disney Entertainment, Studios, and Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN, described Choi as a proven leader with broad operating experience. They also credited Kang with strengthening Disney’s businesses, building teams and deepening its connection with fans across APAC.

“Kang has strengthened our businesses, built outstanding teams and deepened Disney’s connection with fans across the region, and we are grateful for his many contributions. Choi is a proven Disney leader with broad operating experience, strong creative instincts, and a deep understanding of the region, and she is the perfect person to lead the organisation into its next chapter," he said. 

Kang joined Disney in 2011 as managing director of Korea before taking on leadership of its Greater China and North Asia businesses.

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead Disney in Asia Pacific through a period of significant growth and transformation,” Kang said, adding that Choi was well positioned to build on the region’s momentum.

Choi said she looked forward to working with Disney’s teams and partners to bring stories and experiences to audiences, grow its businesses and strengthen its connection with fans across APAC.

In September, Disney appointed Terry Tsai to lead direct-to-consumer marketing across Asia Pacific. Based in Tokyo, Tsai is responsible for the growth and partner marketing operations as well as the regional marketing strategy for Disney+.  

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