In a significant leadership shake up across one of its most important international regions, Disney has appointed company veteran Carol Choi as president of Asia-Pacific following outgoing chief Luke Kang’s decision to retire.
Disney said Tuesday that Choi, currently executive vp of The Walt Disney Company Asia-Pacific, will succeed Kang on Dec. 1. Her expansive new remit will encompass Disney Entertainment’s businesses across Greater China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, including its studios, Disney+, local original content production, consumer products, media networks and content sales.
The promotion puts Choi, a 20-year Disney veteran, at the helm of the company’s sprawling Asia-Pacific operations during a period of accelerating investment in international content and intensifying competition in the region’s still-expanding streaming markets.
Choi has held a succession of senior leadership roles since joining Disney in 2006. She previously served as managing director of the company’s Japan and South Korea businesses, following earlier positions in Greater China during the territory’s 2010s boom times. Most recently, she has overseen Disney’s regional studio operations, original content strategy and integrated marketing, playing a leading role in the expansion of Disney+ and its growing slate of Asian originals.
Her elevation comes as Disney pursues an ambitious expansion of its international streaming business. The company has said it plans to roughly triple its annual production of international original series over the next three years, with Asia-Pacific — and South Korea in particular — expected to play a major role in that push. Disney’s recent regional slate has included Korean hits such as Perfect Crown, A Shop for Killers and Battle of Fates, with a roster of buzzy titles like The Remarried Empress still to come this fall.
“Carol 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 organization into its next chapter,” said Disney Entertainment studios chairman Alan Bergman and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro in a joint statement.
“I am honored to take on this role and grateful to Luke for the strong foundation he has built,” Choi said. “Asia Pacific is home to some of the world’s most passionate fans and dynamic creative communities. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to bring exceptional stories and experiences to audiences, grow our businesses, and deepen Disney’s connection with fans across the region.”
Kang is departing Disney after 16 years with the company. He joined in 2011 as managing director of South Korea before rising to oversee Greater China and North Asia. As Asia-Pacific president, he led the expansion of Disney’s regional operations, including the launch of Disney+ and increased investment in locally produced film and television.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead Disney in Asia Pacific through a period of significant growth and transformation,” Kang said. “Together, we have strengthened our businesses, expanded the reach of Disney’s stories and brands, and built new ways to serve our fans across one of the world’s most dynamic regions.”
Kang also shared some kind words about his successor, describing Choi as “an exceptional leader whose deep knowledge of our businesses, creative ambition, and instinct for consumers make her uniquely positioned to build on this momentum and lead APAC into its next phase of growth.”