The Mouse House contains a new captain that directs his ship in Japan.
On Friday, Walt Disney unveiled the appointment of Tamotsu hiiro as a new administrative director in Japan. Tamutsu, who brings more than 35 years of corporate leadership experience for this role, will reports directly to Luke Kang, the head of Disney Pacific operations.
The veteran CEO comes to Disney after he held the position of President and CEO of McDonald’s Japan. Before spending his golden arches, Tamotsu spent three decades in Johnson & Johnson, and reached its peak in his role as head of the Japanese company division.
The driving change comes at a time when Carol Choi starts from the first place in Japan five years after Tokyo. Choi will continue its regional responsibilities as an executive deputy for APAC studios, the original content strategy, networks and integrated marketing.
During the Choi period, it succeeded in placing Disney+ as a successful flow service in the Japanese competitive market while overseeing a series of box office strokes including “MUFASA: The Lion King”, “Moana 2”, “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2.” It also established the Japanese original content strategy in Disney.
“We are pleased to have such a prominent leader like HIIRO-SAN taking the leadership of our business in Japan, where we continue to deepen consumers’ contacts in this incredibly important market,” Kang said in a statement. “I think his deep vision in the market, strategic business acumen and extensive local networks will bring our recreational actions in Disney to new horizons in Japan.”
Kang added that “HIIRO-SAN will depend on the strong basis of the growth-led growth of Carol Choi, which has an irreplaceable impact on our business in Japan and will continue to buy in many of the main strategic columns of our APAC business.”
Tamotsu said: “I am pleased to join this iconic and respected global company such as Walt Disney, which has generations of stories and personalities that millions of Japanese consumers love. With Japan’s growth of strategic importance as a consumer and content center for the entertainment industry, I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the exciting momentum of the company.”
Besides his leadership roles, Tamotsu is currently the Vice President of Keizai Doyukai, the Japanese Association of CEOs of companies.
Disney’s history dates back to Japan to 1959 when the company established its first commercial presence in the market. Today, Walt Disney Japan operates through multiple entertainment sectors including studios and broadcasts (Disney+), recreational gardens, games, consumer products and Disney Store.
