The Walt Disney Company has appointed Carol Choi as President of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, effective December 1, 2026, following the retirement of current Regional President Luke Kang after 16 years with the company.
The leadership transition places Carol, currently Executive Vice President of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, at the helm of Disney’s entertainment operations across one of the world’s most dynamic media and entertainment markets.
In her new role, she will oversee Disney Entertainment’s portfolio of businesses across the region, including studios, Disney+, local original content production, consumer products, media networks, and content sales. Her remit spans Greater China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
The appointment comes as Disney continues to strengthen its regional presence through local storytelling, digital innovation, and deeper engagement with audiences across diverse markets.
“Luke Kang has been an exceptional leader and a driving force behind Disney’s growth and transformation across Asia Pacific,” said Alan Bergman, Chairman of Disney Entertainment and Studios, and Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN in a statement.
“He has strengthened our businesses, built outstanding teams and deepened Disney’s connection with fans across the region, and we are grateful for his many contributions. Carol Choi is a proven Disney leader with broad operating experience, strong creative instincts, and a deep understanding of the region, and she is the perfect person to lead the organization into its next chapter,” Alan added.
Building on Disney’s regional growth
Luke’s retirement concludes a 16-year career with Disney, during which he helped expand the company’s operations across Asia Pacific through localization, digital innovation, and consumer engagement. He joined Disney in 2011 as Managing Director of Korea before taking on leadership of the Greater China and North Asia businesses. As Regional President, he accelerated growth across markets, business units, and brands, while overseeing the launch of new businesses, including Disney+.
Luke also championed investments in original content, strengthening Disney’s efforts to connect its global entertainment portfolio with audiences through locally relevant stories and creative partnerships.
Reflecting on his tenure, Luke described the opportunity to lead the company across the region as a defining professional experience.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead Disney in Asia Pacific through a period of significant growth and transformation,” said Luke. “Together, we have strengthened our businesses, expanded the reach of Disney’s stories and brands, and built new ways to serve our fans across one of the world’s most dynamic regions.”
He also expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to sustain that momentum.
“Carol is an exceptional leader whose deep knowledge of our businesses, creative ambition, and instinct for consumers make her uniquely positioned to build on this momentum and lead APAC into its next phase of growth,” he added.
A 20-year Disney veteran takes the lead
Carol brings two decades of experience within Disney to the position, having led the region’s studios business, original content strategy, and integrated marketing as Executive Vice President of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific. Her career at the company has also included serving as Managing Director of Disney in Japan and South Korea, as well as holding senior leadership positions in Greater China. Across these markets, she has helped launch and grow Disney+, expand the studios business, and establish long-term collaborations with leading storytellers and talent.
Moreover, her appointment reflects the importance of combining global entertainment franchises with local creative expertise and an understanding of audience preferences across Asia Pacific.
“I am honored to take on this role and grateful to Luke for the strong foundation he has built,” said Carol.
She continued, “Asia Pacific is home to some of the world’s most passionate fans and dynamic creative communities. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to bring exceptional stories and experiences to audiences, grow our businesses, and deepen Disney’s connection with fans across the region.”
