MUMBAI: In order to accelerate Disney’s growth and create an efficient and streamlined organizational structure, Walt Disney Company has appointed Diego Lerner as president for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
With this appointment, all Disney lines of business in EMEA, excluding Disneyland Resort Paris and ESPN, will be integrated under a single operational structure, as has been done in China, India, Russia, Japan and Latin America. All lines of business in EMEA will report to Lerner, who will develop and implement strategy, expand existing businesses and seek out new opportunities. Under Lerner’s vision and leadership, Latin America was the first territory to conceive of and apply the integration of all Disney’s divisions. Lerner will remain president of and continue to provide strategic oversight and support to Disney’s businesses in Latin America.
"Expansion in international markets is a key strategic priority for Disney, and Diego’s proven ability to nurture and grow Disney’s businesses makes him an ideal choice for this new position as we accelerate our efforts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We are delighted that he will apply his expertise to this important part of the world for Disney," said Walt Disney International chairman Andy Bird.
"I am confident that given his past successes, Diego will provide a well-coordinated approach to our business development in Europe that will allow us to capitalize on many opportunities. This restructuring will produce cohesive strategies that create new and innovative businesses and drive incremental growth," added Disney president and CEO Robert A. Iger.
"Disney’s solid foundation in Europe, combined with our company’s continuous ability to deliver the best content, allows me to be very optimistic about our future in this region. I accept these new responsibilities with my fullest commitment and a profound sense of honor and gratitude towards Disney’s management. I look forward to working with our talented executives in the field to continue our tradition of success in these strategic markets," said Lerner.
Lerner will be based in London and report to Bird. He assumes his new post immediately. Claudio Chiaromonte will assume all day-to-day responsibilities for Latin America as chief operating officer and CFO. All Disney businesses in Latin America will report directly to Chiaromonte, who will report to Bird.
