Carol Choi is set to become the new president of The Walt Disney Company’s Asia Pacific operations, following Luke Kang’s retirement after 16 years with the company. Disney confirmed the leadership transition on Tuesday, with Choi, currently executive vice president of Disney APAC, scheduled to assume her new role on December 1st. She will oversee Disney Entertainment’s operations across Greater China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, including film studios, Disney+, local original productions, consumer products, media networks, and content sales.
Choi, a 20-year Disney veteran, has most recently overseen the company’s regional studios business, original content strategy, and integrated marketing. She previously held senior leadership positions in Japan, Korea, and Greater China. Her tenure has included supporting the regional expansion of Disney+, growing the company’s theatrical business, and developing partnerships with creative talent and production companies across Asia Pacific.
Disney Entertainment Studios chairman Alan Bergman and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Choi’s leadership, calling her a proven Disney leader with broad operating experience, strong creative instincts, and a deep understanding of the region. Choi expressed her excitement about building on the company’s existing operations and strengthening relationships with audiences across the region.
Kang’s departure marks the end of a 16-year career with Disney, which began in 2011 as managing director of Korea. He later led the Greater China and North Asia businesses before becoming president of the wider APAC region. Under his leadership, Disney expanded its streaming presence, invested in locally produced programming, and strengthened its consumer-facing businesses across key Asian markets.
The leadership change comes as Disney looks to increase its investment in locally produced content across Asia Pacific, including Australia. Earlier this month, Disney+ appointed former Amazon MGM Studios executive Sarah Christie as its new executive director of local content for Australia and New Zealand. The appointment follows plans to triple Disney+’s local-language output globally.