Disney Japan Taps Tamotsu Hiiro as new director
The Muishuis has a new captain who sends his ship in Japan.
The Walt Disney Company unveiled the appointment of Tamotsu Hiiro on Friday as his new director of Japan. Tamotsu, who brings more than 35 years of experience in business leadership, will report directly to Luke Kang, president of Disney’s Asia Pacific Operations.
The experienced director comes to Disney as President and CEO of McDonald’s Japan. Prior to his Golden Arches Stint, Tamotsu spent three decades with Johnson & Johnson, culminating in his role as president of the Japanese division of the company.
The leadership change comes as Carol Choi after five years in Tokyo decreases from the top place of Japan. Choi will continue its regional responsibilities as an Executive VP for APAC Studios, original content strategy, networks and integrated marketing.
During the term of office of Choi, she successfully positioned Disney+ as a successful streaming service in the competing Japanese market, while supervising a series of cash register -hits, including “Mufasa: The Lion King”, “Moana 2”, “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2.” She also founded Disney’s Japanese original content strategy and team.
“We are very happy that such an accomplished leader like Hiiro-San is taking course of our Japanese issues, while we continue to delve into our consumer connections in this incredibly important market,” Kang said in a statement. “I believe that its deep market insight, strategic business insight and extensive local network will bring our Disney Entertainment activities to new heights in Japan.”
Kang added that “HIiro-San will build on the solid base of growth led by Carol Choi, who has had an indelible impact on our Japanese activities and will continue to work with me on many strategic, important pillars of our APAC activities.”
Tamotsu zei: “Ik ben verheugd om lid te worden van zo’n iconisch en gerespecteerd wereldwijd bedrijf als het Walt Disney Company, dat generaties van verhalen en personages heeft waar miljoenen Japanse consumenten van houden. Terwijl Japan in strategisch belang groeit als een consumenten- en contenthub voor de entertainmentindustrie, kijk ik uit naar de mogelijkheid om de mogelijkheid te hebben om de mogelijkheid te geven om de kans te geven aan het spannende momentum from the company. “
Apart from his managerial leadership roles, Tamotsu is currently vice -chairman of Keizai Doyukai, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives.
Disney’s connection with Japan dates from 1959 when the company established its first commercial presence in the market. Nowadays Walt Disney Japan works in multiple entertainment sectors, including studios, streaming (Disney+), theme parks, gaming, consumer products and Disney Store store activities.
