Disney Ups Dixon to VP and GM in Australia and New Zealand

SYDNEY/BURBANK, February
25: Disney Channels Worldwide has appointed Melissa Dixon, a 12-year veteran of
The Walt Disney Company, to the position of VP and general manager of Disney
Channels in Australia and New Zealand.

The announcement follows
the promotion of Michael Cairns, who most recently filled Dixon’s new role, to
helm Disney Channels UK and Ireland.

In her new position, Dixon
will oversee management of Disney Channels and Playhouse Disney channels in
Australia and New Zealand, including identifying and implementing revenue
growth opportunities, ensuring the development and application of programming
and marketing strategies and guiding franchise opportunities with other Disney
businesses. The Melbourne native will relocate to Sydney from Disney Channel’s
regional office in Hong Kong in April.

Since 2006, Dixon has
served as the VP of business operations for Disney Channels Asia Pacific. Based
in Hong Kong, she was responsible for the operational business management and
development of Disney Channels’ businesses across the region. Before that, she
served as the VP of finance for Disney Channels EMEA, based in London.

"As our kids' TV
business continues to flourish around the world, it's gratifying to recognize
those who have contributed so much to the accomplishments of our team,” said Rich
Ross, the president of Disney Channels Worldwide, to whom she will report.
“Melissa's breadth of experience at Disney and her exceptional leadership
skills make her ideally suited to take our Australia and New Zealand channels
to even greater heights."

—By Ned Berke