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Uday Shankar appointed Chairman of merged Star India & Disney business

Uday Shankar has been appointed Chairman of the newly merged Star India and The Walt Disney Company entity.

As Disney awaits the final nod in its acquisition of 21st Century Fox, the company announced plans for the alignment of its consolidated business in Asia under three key leaders.

Shankar, who up until now has worked as President, 21st Century Fox, Asia, and Chairman and CEO of Star India, will turn Chairman of Star and Disney India and also the President of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific.

Meanwhile, Luke Kang, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Greater China, Japan and Korea, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, Chafic Najia, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Middle East will report in to Shankar as part of his Asia Pacific leadership team.

In a company statement, Kevin Mayer, Chairman of The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment said, “The planned restructuring of our business units outside of the U.S. will result in a stronger, more agile organization, one that is better able to pivot and capitalize on the many opportunities present in today’s fast-changing and increasingly complex global marketplace.”.

“Once the acquisition is complete, all three regions will be led by exceptional, highly experienced executives who will combine the ‘best of the best’ talent from both organizations. This new structure and the outstanding leadership team we’ve put in place are clear demonstrations of our strong commitment to integrating operations and thoughtfully executing our strategic priorities around the globe.”

Shankar will report to Mayer.