MUMBAI: Disney – ABC International Television (DAIT), Asia Pacific, has set an integrated distribution structure for the Asia Pacific region aimed at accelerating international growth.
Under this structure, the portfolios of Disney Channel and Disney-ABC International Television will be brought together in a single multi-platform distribution business. The move is in keeping with The Walt Disney Company’s continuing efforts to accelerate international growth and create efficient and streamlined structures that drive long-term strategic benefits around the world.
This new structure, led by DAIT, Asia Pacific senior vice president and managing director Rob Gilby, will include a dedicated and newly created channel distribution team as well as a program distribution team, which will work alongside in-market sales teams in high growth markets.
In the rapidly developing China and Korea markets, the in-market sales teams will be aligned with overall Walt Disney Company country strategies. This integrated distribution structure has been formed to reflect the unique geographic and business nature of the Asia Pacific markets and marks a significant move for the industry in this region.
"With this integration we have ensured we are perfectly positioned to capitalize on the rapidly developing markets and multi-platform opportunities in Asia Pacific. By offering an aligned distribution structure, Rob and his team can further grow our relationships and provide additional value for our business partners in the region by maximizing the success of our diverse portfolio of programming and channels," said Disney Media Networks president, global distribution Ben Pyne.
Key positions have been created to support Gilby’s strategic priorities in the region and lead these teams. As such Raju Venkataraman has been appointed vice president, channel distribution, and continuing as vice ;resident, program distribution will be Greg Johnson. In Seoul, Shinbong Kong has been appointed executive director, media distribution for Korea, and in Shanghai Dai Hua has been appointed as vice president, media distribution, Greater China. In these roles, all four executives will report directly to Gilby. For China, Hua will also report into Walt Disney Company, Greater China managing director Stanley Cheung.
Gilby added, "These respected executives have played a key role in the strong growth of Disney’s program and channel distribution business in Asia Pacific. They are uniquely qualified to work with our business partners to develop market-differentiating deals and opportunities."
Disney Channels Worldwide president Rich Ross added, "As we work to deliver great content to kids and families around the world, this talented new team will play a crucial role in the continued growth of Disney Channels in Asia Pacific, the expansion of our broadcast distribution partnerships and the optimization of the new opportunities digital technology has afforded our business."
