New Regional Head for Disney-ABC-ESPN

LONDON: Disney-ABC Worldwide Television and Disney Media Networks have announced the appointment of Stephen Moore as executive VP and managing director of Disney-ABC-ESPN Television for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Canada. 

Moore will be based in London, reporting to Ben Pyne, the president of global distribution for Disney-ABC Worldwide Television and Disney Media Networks. Joining in late February, Moore will lead the Disney-ABC-ESPN Television channel and content distribution business across all platforms. He is tasked with driving growth in the distribution and revenue of The Walt Disney Company’s channels, television and film content from groups such as The Walt Disney Studios, ABC Studios and Disney Channel, overseeing client relationships and leading negotiations.

Moore joins from Abbey Home Media, where he was a partner. Prior to this, he was the COO and head of features at Aardman Animations. He joined Aardman from Twentieth Century Fox International, where he served as president, overseeing all theatrical and home-entertainment business activities and operations. He fills the role following the departure of Tom Toumazis, who has moved on to Endemol as chief commercial officer.

Pyne commented, "I’m delighted to welcome Stephen to The Walt Disney Company, where his wealth of experience in distributing the highest standards of creative content across global markets makes him an ideal fit to drive our business to further success. Our Disney-ABC-ESPN Television team has excelled in building strong international distribution partnerships for brands such as Disney Channel, Jetix, ESPN, Walt Disney Pictures, ABC Studios—some of the most sought-after channel and content brands in the world, and we have ambitious plans to expand these brands’ global presence."