Robert Gilby Appointed Managing Director For Walt Disney Company, South East Asia

SINGAPORE, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The Walt Disney Company Thursday has announced the appointment of Robert Gilby as Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company South East Asia. He will report to Andy Bird, Chairman Walt Disney International. In this newly created role, Gilby will be responsible for driving the company’s strategy, coordinating and leading all Disney business divisions, overseeing Disney global franchises, expanding existing businesses and seeking out new business opportunities across the region with a focus on Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. "Expanding our brand internationally is the cornerstone of the company’s growth strategy," said Bird when commenting on the appointment in a statement released here Thursday. Gilby will continue in his current role of Managing Director, Disney Media Distribution Asia Pacific, reporting to Ben Pyne, President, Global Distribution, Disney Media Networks. In response to his appointment, Gilby pointed to the economic and market fundamentals of the South East Asian media and entertainment sector, as representing an enormously attractive opportunity for Disney. He said it was incredibly exciting to be given the opportunity to work in one of the most amazing emerging markets in the world. Gilby joined Disney in January 2006, as Managing Director of Disney Channels in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia & Emerging Markets. -- BERNAMA