Disney creates Asia president in regional rejig

Disney has appointed Paul Candland as its first president for the Asia region. Candland is a 16-year Disney veteran and was previously president of the company’s operations in Japan.

The appointment comes as part of a management shuffle at Disney Asia, which also involves Stanley Cheung being promoted from managing director to president of Disney Greater China.

The company’s senior VP, Greater China, Luke Kang, will fill Cheung’s former role and become managing director.

Candland will oversee all Walt Disney businesses in Asia including TV, film and resorts. He will report to Andy Bird, Disney’s international chairman.

“Asia is a region of incredible growth and great promise for Disney, and these management changes are designed to ensure we maximize our opportunities there today and in the future,” said Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive of The Walt Disney Company. “This new structure will bring greater focus and the ability to share best practices across businesses and countries as we grow strategically in Asian markets.”

In the wake of the Asia and Greater China management shuffle, Andy Bird said China will become the biggest international market for Disney.

“It is my belief that Greater China will become our biggest international market in the coming years,” he said. Today, China is one of our biggest markets for the Studio, and we have a well-established Disney Consumer Products and TV distribution business.”