Disney bolsters APAC leadership team

The Walt Disney Company has announced a number of new appointments to its APAC leadership team, including Jessica Kam-Engle (left) and David Shin (right).

Kam-Engle has been named head of content and development, APAC and will overseeing the development of world-class and locally relevant original content in APAC. Kam-Engle is an entertainment industry veteran who joins the company from HBO Asia/WarnerMedia, where she served as head of original production since 2017. Previously, she worked as an independent film producer in Hong Kong and Beijing, producing critically acclaimed feature films including The Piano in a Factory and Just Another Pandora's Box.

“I am honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Disney’s original production efforts in this dynamic region. I look forward to working closely with storytellers from different markets to bring compelling stories that resonate with our diverse audiences in the region and around the world," said Kam-Engle.

Shin will take on a dual role inside the company as both general manager for The Walt Disney Company Taiwan/Hong Kong and Southeast Asia (excluding Indonesia), and head of media networks, APAC.

In other expanded roles across the leadership team, Kylie Watson-Wheeler will take on a dual responsibility as managing director for The Walt Disney Company Australia/New Zealand, and head of ESPN & National Geographic, APAC. Carol Choi takes on yet another dual role as managing director and representative director for The Walt Disney Company Japan, and head of franchise marketing, APAC.

Tom Oh has been appointed general manager and representative director for The Walt Disney Company Korea, and Vineet Puri is named general manager, The Walt Disney Company Indonesia. 

Jay Trinidad has been named general manager, direct-to-consumer, APAC; John Hsu has been named general manager, studio distribution, APAC (including theatrical, music & live entertainment); and Angela Wang has been named general manager, content sales, APAC. Wang and Hsu will also continue to manage business in Mainland China.

Finally, Amit Malhotra will take on a new role as the head of commercial development, APAC.

All roles are considered filled effective immediately, and will report to Luke Kang, president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific.