Disney’s Amit Malhotra Upped, Greg Johnson Exits for BBC Worldwide

NEW YORK/HONG KONG: Amit Malhotra has been promoted to VP of program distribution for Disney Media Distribution Asia Pacific, succeeding Greg Johnson, who has been tapped as senior VP of factual sales and distribution at BBC Worldwide, Americas.

Johnson will be based in New York, reporting to Matt Forde, the executive VP of sales and co-productions at BBC Worldwide, Americas. His mandate entails developing and implementing a strategy for BBC’s factual business in the U.S. “Greg has a proven track record, including executing opportunities across a vast portfolio of content, building and leveraging strong relationships with key clients, and creating winning sales strategies," Forde said. "The U.S. is a key region for BBC Worldwide, and I believe opportunities within the factual genre are immense, judging by the success of programs such as the stunning Life series with the Discovery Channel and our recent co-production deal with National Geographic Channel for the innovative documentary Space Dive. The knowledge and expertise Greg brings to this position will strengthen the presence of the BBC Factual brand in the U.S. This has been a lengthy search process, but completely worth the wait to attract someone of Greg’s caliber.”

The VP of sales post that Johnson is exiting at Disney Media Distribution (formerly Disney-ABC International Television) Asia Pacific is being filled by Amit Malhotra, who has been a member of the regional sales team since 2007. He started at Disney six years ago in the India office. Rob Gilby, senior VP and managing director of Disney Media Distribution (DMD) Asia Pacific, to whom Malhotra reports, noted: “Across Asia Pacific, The Walt Disney Company is highly recognized among our target consumers for our hit feature films, popular scripted and reality shows, live-action series and animated kids’ content. Continuing to create demand for these programs, across platforms and markets and with new and existing audience groups, is critical to the long-term success of the company in this region. Amit’s appointment will enable Disney to build on our success by growing our engagements with existing and new program distribution partners in Asia Pacific, while tapping into exciting new opportunities to deliver the best entertainment experience for our consumers.”