Carol Choi will become president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific on Dec. 1, replacing Luke Kang, who is stepping down after 16 years at the Mouse House.
Choi is currently executive VP of The Walt Disney Company APAC. In the top job, she will run Disney Entertainment’s operations in the region, from studios and Disney+ to locally produced originals, content sales, media networks and consumer products. Her territory will stretch from Greater China, Japan and South Korea through Southeast Asia to Australia and New Zealand.
“Luke Kang has been an exceptional leader and a driving force behind Disney’s growth and transformation across Asia Pacific,” said Alan Bergman, chair of Disney Entertainment, Studios, and Jimmy Pitaro, chair of ESPN. “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.”
Choi has spent 20 years with the company. In her current post, she has overseen the region’s studio operations, original content strategy and integrated marketing. Earlier, she ran Disney’s Japan and Korea businesses as managing director and held senior posts in Greater China. Along the way, she played a part in bringing Disney+ to the region and growing the service, expanded the studio business and forged lasting partnerships with leading creators and talent across Asia Pacific.
“I am honored to take on this role and grateful to Luke for the strong foundation he has built,” said Choi. “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 came to Disney in 2011 to head its Korea operation as managing director, later taking charge of the company’s operations in Greater China and North Asia. There, he grew Disney’s business through localization, digital initiatives and closer ties with consumers. As APAC president, he oversaw growth across the region’s markets and brands, steered the rollout of Disney+ and other new ventures, and invested in creative projects, including original content.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead Disney in Asia Pacific through a period of significant growth and transformation,” said Kang. “Carol is 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.”