Disney’s EMEA streaming chief Luke Bradley-Jones to exit

Luke Bradley-Jones

Disney is on the look-out for a new boss of its streaming business in EMEA, following news that Luke Bradley-Jones  would be leaving the business this summer.

Bradley-Jones, who was most recently SVP and general manager of Disney+ in EMEA, will exit the Mouse House to join UK-based publication The Economist as president.

He has been overseeing the roll-out and operations of Disney+ across EMEA since January 2020, reporting into Disney’s EMEA boss Jan Koeppen.

Nautilus

Bradley-Jones joined Disney following an eight-year stint at Sky, rising to become chief marketing officer. Before that, he spent five years at BBC Studios as MD of BBC.com and its global iPlayer service.

His exit follows deep cuts at Disney, which has seen the US studio trimming both staff and content as it seeks to improve profits from its streaming operations.

Earlier this month, Disney+ pulled more than 120 titles across both series and movies from its service in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, following an initial cull last year when shows such as The World According To Jeff Goldblum, Dollface and Willow were among titles to go.

Others, such as Nautilus and The Spiderwick Chronicles, never reached Disney+ as the streamer dropped them from the slate in its bid to cut costs.

Koeppen said: “There’s a great team in place which will ensure the future success of Disney+ and it is a privilege to be on that journey together. And, while it’s hard to lose such a highly valued team member, he’s going to a great job at The Economist, a company that he’s incredibly passionate about.”

Bradley-Jones added: “It’s been a privilege to lead the incredible launch and growth of Disney+ across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and I know the business will continue to flourish under Jan’s stewardship and the brilliant DTC teams across the region.”