New MD for Disney Channels EMEA

LONDON: Giorgio Stock, who currently heads up Disney Channels Italy, has been upped to executive VP and managing director for Disney Channels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In his new role, Stock will lead a portfolio that includes Disney Channel, Playhouse Disney, Disney XD and Cinemagic. He will also serve as a Disney representative on the board of SRTL, Disney’s joint venture with RTL Group. He has been with Disney since 1997 and senior VP and general manager of the channels in Italy since 2005. With the new position, Stock is relocating to London from Milan and will report to Diego Lerner, the president of EMEA at The Walt Disney Company. 

Stock takes over from John Hardie, who has been with Disney since 2001. He is leaving in June for a new, as-yet unannounced position. A successor for Stock in Italy will also be named shortly, the company said.

“Giorgio is a highly respected, superb executive who brings a wealth of experience to the job and whose leadership, expertise and reputation continue to make him a tremendous asset not only for the channels but also for The Walt Disney Company EMEA as a whole," said Lerner. "I am very pleased that he has accepted this regional role and look forward to him delivering his renowned collegial spirit to our entire EMEA team.”