The Walt Disney Company has hired Tamotsu Hiiro as their new managing director of Japan operations, replacing Carol Choi.
Tamotsu Hiiro Joins Disney
Tamotsu has over 35 years of corporate leadership experience, most recently serving as president and CEO of McDonald’s Japan. Before that, he was president of Johnson & Johnson’s Japan division. He is currently vice chair of Keizai Doyukai, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives.
Choi stepped down from the managing director position after five years but will retain regional responsibilities as Executive VP for APAC studios, original content strategy, networks, and integrated marketing. In a statement, Disney said Choi “successfully grew Disney+ to become a leading streaming service, expanded the studio business with record-breaking hits including ‘Mufasa: The Lion King,’ ‘Moana 2,’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ and ‘Inside Out 2,’ and established the company’s Japanese original content plans and team.”
Tamotsu will report directly to Luke Kang, Disney’s president of Asia Pacific operations.
“We are thrilled to have such an accomplished leader like Hiiro-san take the helm of our Japan business, as we continue to deepen our consumer connections in this incredibly important market,” said Kang. “I believe his deep market insight, strategic business acumen and extensive local network will bring our Disney Entertainment business to new heights in Japan. Hiiro-san will build on the solid foundation of growth spearheaded by Carol Choi, who has made an indelible impact on our Japan business and will continue to partner with me on many strategic, key pillars of our APAC business.”
Tamotsu said, “I am delighted to join such an iconic and respected global company like The Walt Disney Company, which has generations of stories and characters that millions of Japanese consumers love. As Japan grows in strategic importance as a consumer and content hub for the entertainment industry, I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the exciting momentum of the company.”
Source: Deadline, Variety
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