DISNEY APPOINTS LUKE KANG TO LEAD ASIAN-PACIFIC REGION

The Walt Disney Co. announced that its veteran member Luke Kang has been appointed President of the company in the greater area of the Asia-Pacific. A separate India head is likely to be announced in the new year. “With his deep understanding of our businesses in the Asia Pacific, Luke is ideally suited to lead our efforts in the region," said Rebecca Campbell, Chairman of international operations and Direct-to-consumer in a statement. "He has played a critical role in transforming our business in Asia, optimizing operations, developing successful new revenue streams, and rapidly moving to roll out Disney Plus. I’m confident that he and our extended team will deliver even more value as we continue to manage and grow Disney’s DTC and media businesses in the region."

The new positions follow the departure of Uday Shankar, President of Disney Asia-Pacific and Chairman of Star and Disney India, which was announced in October and becomes effective from 31st December. Kang, who will report to Campbell, will oversee the company’s business in Australia/New Zealand, Greater China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. His role includes Disney’s media networks, direct-to-consumer offerings including Disney Plus, media distribution, and motion picture businesses, as well as other operations across Asia-Pacific, excluding Disney theme parks.

Shankar will now pursue an entrepreneurial career. “For some time now, I have been contemplating the question of how I give back to the country, community, and the industry that has given me so much,” said Shankar in October. “I think the best way to express my gratitude to all of them will be to support and mentor a new generation of entrepreneurs as they set out to create transformational solutions that will have a positive impact on countless lives. I intend to partner with global investors and pioneers to achieve this.” 

Most recently, Kang served as Executive Vice President and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company, Greater China, Japan, and Korea, overseeing all of Disney’s businesses in the area. From 2014-2017, he worked as Executive Vice President & Managing Director, TWDC, Greater China based in Shanghai, China, leading the team through significant organizational and strategic modifications. Between 2016 – 2018, Disney was the number one studio at the Chinese box office releasing more films than any other foreign studio with six record-breaking movies exceeding the highly coveted RMB1Billion box office goal.