MUMBAI: Cindy Rose has been named senior vice president and managing director of the Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The announcement was made by WDIG International executive vice president and managing director Mark Handler.

Rose will manage all aspects of WDIG’s European regional operations, which encompass premium subscription content and Internet-based services, including advanced broadband, interactive television and mobile applications, as well as the 14 local European versions of Disney.com.

“The Walt Disney Internet Group is focused on taking the consumer experience with interactive family entertainment via the Internet and mobile devices to new levels through creative and technical innovations. Given Cindy’s impressive accomplishments throughout her tenure with Disney and her strong leadership abilities, she is an excellent choice to spearhead our efforts to accomplish that goal across Europe,” Handler said.

Rose’s key priority for the next 12-18 months will be the rollout of the newly redesigned and enhanced Disney.com web site, launched in the US earlier this year, in the main European markets.

“The Internet and mobile sectors are outpacing the growth of the rest of the European media and entertainment industry, and The Walt Disney Company is firing on all cylinders in terms of creating outstanding content that inspires consumers around the world. The combination of these factors makes it an extremely exciting time to be working with the Walt Disney Internet Group to expand their existing presence on these platforms and to take advantage of new emerging platforms and technologies,” added Rose.

She joined Disney in 1995 and was appointed senior counsel of European Legal Affairs for The Walt Disney Company in 1996 and vice president, Government Relations Europe for The Walt Disney Company in 1998. In 2001, she was promoted to senior vice president and managing director for Walt Disney International, UK and Ireland, and in 2003, her territory was expanded to include the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.