London-based Disney executive Catherine Powell will take over as Disney Australia and New Zealand boss next July when John Cracknell retires.
Cracknell joined the company in 1992 and launched the Home Entertainment business in ANZ before also taking on South East Asia's Home Entertainment unit. He took the top regional Disney job in 2010 when Disney integrated its management and operational structure.
“For over two decades John has displayed amazing commitment and dedication to the business, has created a world class team and in rising to the challenges of our industry, leaves The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand in excellent shape,” said Andy Bird, chairman Walt Disney International. “In the appointment of Catherine we have a terrific executive who keenly understands the future of the media industry. Her digital skills combined with exceptional management acumen and collaborative approach will make her a great leader for this region.”
“I don’t think there’s a better company that I could have chosen to work for,” Cracknell said. “Disney has the best stories and characters, and the strongest franchises and for over 20 years I found myself saying there’s never been a better time to work at Disney. I grew up with characters and stories that I loved and I have enjoyed bringing them to families across Australia and New Zealand.”
Currently senior vice president and general manager of Disney Media Distribution for The Walt Disney Company EMEA, Powell is a ten year Disney veteran who has pioneered a single Walt Disney Company approach to delivering content across platforms.
She set pan-regional strategies for Disney’s branded channels, content and digital distribution for movies, television programming, games, music, e-books and apps. The company said Powell has a deep understanding of all of the Walt Disney Company’s brands, including Disney*Pixar, ABC Studios and News, Marvel and Disney which she will bring to bear in Australia and New Zealand.
Powell will be based in the company’s Sydney office and report to Andy Bird.
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