The Walt Disney Company’s New Leadership in Japan
On Friday, The Walt Disney Company made a significant announcement regarding its leadership in Japan, appointing Tamotsu Hiiro as the new managing director. Hiiro will report directly to Luke Kang, president of Disney APAC.
Transition in Leadership
Hiiro succeeds Carol Choi, who has successfully led Disney in Japan for the past five years. Despite the leadership change, Choi will continue her role as executive vice president for APAC studios, overseeing original content strategy, networks, and integrated marketing. Under her guidance, Disney+ emerged as a leading streaming service in Japan, accompanied by a strong pipeline of original Japanese content.
Background and Experience of Tamotsu Hiiro
With an impressive career spanning over 35 years, Hiiro has held key executive positions, including president and CEO of McDonald’s Japan and president of Johnson & Johnson Japan. His extensive experience will be pivotal as he takes on the responsibility for expanding Disney’s entertainment business in Japan and serves as the company’s senior representative in the country.
Statements from Disney Leadership
Expressing enthusiasm about this appointment, Kang remarked, “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. I believe his extensive local network, market insights, and strategic acumen will elevate our Disney Entertainment business in Japan. Hiiro will build on the solid foundations laid by Carol Choi, who has significantly impacted our operations and will continue to collaborate on key initiatives across APAC.”
Hiiro’s Perspective
Upon his appointment, Hiiro expressed, “I am delighted to join such an iconic and respected global company like The Walt Disney Company, which boasts a wealth of stories and characters beloved by millions of Japanese consumers.”
As Disney continues to evolve its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, Hiiro’s leadership is anticipated to drive further growth and engagement with the Japanese audience.