Diego Lerner Named President of Disney Latin America

Diego Lerner has been appointed president of The Walt Disney Company Latin America.

With this appointment, Disney’s international businesses in Latin America will be led by Lerner, who will work to capitalize on the currently changing media landscape and will align closely to the company’s priorities for future growth, including the creation of high-quality content, technological innovation, global expansion and direct-to-consumer distribution. Lerner will also work closely with the parks division, consumer products and experiences, led by Bob Chapek.

“We’re very proud of having Diego lead the business in the region, in offering our diverse content that our consumers crave in Latin America, with more options, customization, cutting-edge technology and benefits like never before,” said Kevin Mayer, the chairman of direct to consumer and international at The Walt Disney Company. “Diego is a visionary leader, with a proven track record of success in building and expanding Disney’s market share in territories around the world. We’re excited to have him on board.”

Lerner added: “I want to thank Kevin for this incredible opportunity of elevating Disney’s business in Latin America, deepening our connection with existing consumers and engaging new ones. I couldn’t be more honored. As our company moves toward our next stage of growth, it’s a pleasure to work closely once again with the Latin American team on this new path.”

With Lerner’s appointment, Claudio Chiaromonte leaves his post as executive VP and managing director at The Walt Disney Company Latin America after a 22-year career at the company.

Mayer said: “During his more than two-decade tenure at Disney, Claudio made numerous contributions and was a leader with great integrity, character and intellect. He was decisive in leading sustained growth in many of our key markets throughout the region. We thank him for his dedication and commitment to Disney and wish him the best in the next chapter of his career.”

From 2009 to December of 2017, Lerner was president at The Walt Disney Company EMEA, where he supervised The Walt Disney Company’s business in the region, except ESPN and Disneyland Resort Paris. During his tenure, the EMEA business grew significantly and experienced sustained improvement with consumer brand interaction. Lerner reorganized the company looking to generate greater local relevance for the wide variety of consumers in over 100 countries in the region.

Previously, he occupied a similar position for 10 years in Latin America, where he consolidated all of Disney’s activities in the region, expanding existing operations and creating new businesses. Under his leadership, beginning in 2000, he was responsible for establishing and consolidating the pay-TV business in the region and launching Disney Channels in Latin America. Lerner was also instrumental in the creation of a new strategy for local content, starting with Patagonik Film Group (1997), a leading film company in South America. Previously, Lerner was president at The Walt Disney Studios Latin America and was charged with the distribution of all the films produced and launched by Walt Disney Pictures, as well as sales and distribution of all home entertainment formats.

Lerner joined Disney in 1990 as executive director for the company’s video and television subscription divisions in the region, establishing new distribution operations in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Argentina. Two years later, he added the theatrical business to his remit. Under his supervision, Disney garnered undisputed leadership in theatrical, television, radio, home entertainment, merchandise and digital entertainment, having tripled the business during the 10 years he led the region.