Disney Names President for Asian Operations

BURBANK: The Walt Disney Company has named Paul Candland to the newly created post of president for Asia, giving him oversight of the company's operations in  Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and Greater China.

Candland is currently the president of Walt Disney Japan. A 16-year Disney veteran, he reports to Andy Bird, chairman of Walt Disney International, in his new role of driving strategy and coordinating business in the Asian markets he oversees.

Meanwhile, Stanley Cheung has been promoted to chairman of The Walt Disney Company Greater China, reporting to Bird. Luke Kang, senior VP, will fill the managing director post that Cheung is vacating. Kang will report to both Cheung and Candland as he oversees Disney’s businesses in Greater China, excluding Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

“Asia is a region of incredible growth and great promise for Disney, and these management changes are designed to ensure we maximize our opportunities there today and in the future,” said Robert A. Iger, the chairman and chief executive of The Walt Disney Company. “This new structure will bring greater focus and the ability to share best practices across businesses and countries as we grow strategically in Asian markets.”

“Under Paul's leadership, we will be able to accelerate our businesses in Greater China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia,” Bird added. “He has done an amazing job of expanding our business in Japan, delivering double-digit growth across all business segments, particularly with the success of Disney Mobile, Gaming, Disney Stores and Disney Consumer Products, and the launch of DLife, our channel serving young adult female audiences.”