The Walt Disney Company has named Carol Choi as president of Disney Asia-Pacific, effective December 1, succeeding Luke Kang, who is retiring after 16 years with the company, according to Variety. The announcement was made Tuesday, October 20.
Choi is a 20-year Disney veteran who most recently served as executive vice president for Disney Asia Pacific, where she led the region's studios business, original content strategy and integrated marketing, Variety reports. She previously served as managing director of Disney in Japan and Korea and held senior leadership roles in Greater China, helping launch and grow Disney+ across the region and building long-term collaborations with storytellers and talent.
In her new role, Choi will lead Disney Entertainment's portfolio across Asia-Pacific — including studios, Disney+, locally produced originals, consumer products, media networks and content sales — spanning Greater China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, according to Deadline's coverage. The appointment positions her to carry out Disney's plan to roughly triple annual international original series production over the next three years, a push that company statements say will rely heavily on Asia-Pacific markets such as South Korea.
Kang joined Disney in 2011 as managing director of Korea and subsequently ran the Greater China and North Asia businesses before becoming APAC president. During his tenure, Disney expanded its regional operations, launched Disney+ in the region and increased investment in locally produced films and television shows, building it into what the company calls the leading media and entertainment company in Asia-Pacific.
"Asia Pacific is home to some of the world's most passionate fans and dynamic creative communities," Choi said in the company's announcement. "I look forward to working with our teams and partners to bring exceptional stories and experiences to audiences, grow our businesses, and deepen Disney's connection with fans across the region." Her elevation is expected to preserve continuity for existing creator partnerships while shaping where Disney increases commissioning and marketing.