MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company in India has appointed Avinash Pant as executive director, marketing. He will report to Walt Disney India MD Mahesh Samat.

In this new role, Pant will be responsible for building the Disney brand by driving the company’s marketing strategy, coordinating all Disney business marketing efforts and providing leadership in developing key global and local franchises in India.

Pant will also oversee corporate communications as well as the Creative Design Cell and Live Events functions.

“We are focused on building a family entertainment brand in India. Avinash will be charged with creating and maximizing opportunities for families to enjoy and connect with Disney’s creativity and content," Samat said.

“India is one of the most exciting and rapidly changing markets in the world. This role represents an exciting opportunity to increase Disney’s brand presence here and connect with our consumers in a deeper, richer and more relevant way," said Pant.

Pant joins Disney from Coca-Cola where he spent 14 years working across various functions and gained tremendous experience in marketing and in building brands. He also has had extensive experience in strategic marketing, category & brand management, innovation, media planning and buying, consumer activation and sales.