The Mouse House has a new captain steering its ship in Japan.
The Walt Disney Company revealed Friday the appointment of Tamotsu Hiiro as its new managing director for Japan. Tamotsu, who brings more than 35 years of corporate leadership experience to the role, will report directly to Luke Kang, president of Disney’s Asia Pacific operations.
The veteran executive comes to Disney after serving as president & CEO of McDonald’s Japan. Prior to his golden arches stint, Tamotsu spent three decades at Johnson & Johnson, culminating in his role as president of the company’s Japan division.
The leadership change comes as Carol Choi steps down from the Japan top spot after five years in Tokyo. Choi will continue her regional responsibilities as executive VP for APAC studios, original content strategy, networks and integrated marketing.
During Choi’s tenure, she successfully positioned Disney+ as a successful streaming service in the competitive Japanese market while overseeing a string of box office hits including “Mufasa: The Lion King,” “Moana 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2.” She also established Disney’s Japanese original content strategy and team.
“We are thrilled to have such an accomplished leader like Hiiro-san take the helm of our Japan business, as we continue to deepen our consumer connections in this incredibly important market,” said Kang in a statement. “I believe his deep market insight, strategic business acumen and extensive local network will bring our Disney Entertainment business to new heights in Japan.”
Kang added that “Hiiro-san will build on the solid foundation of growth spearheaded by Carol Choi, who has made an indelible impact on our Japan business and will continue to partner with me on many strategic, key pillars of our APAC business.”
Tamotsu said: “I am delighted to join such an iconic and respected global company like The Walt Disney Company, which has generations of stories and characters that millions of Japanese consumers love. As Japan grows in strategic importance as a consumer and content hub for the entertainment industry, I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the exciting momentum of the company.”
Beyond his corporate leadership roles, Tamotsu currently serves as vice chair of Keizai Doyukai, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives.
Disney’s connection to Japan dates back to 1959 when the company established its first commercial presence in the market. Today, Walt Disney Japan operates across multiple entertainment sectors including studios, streaming (Disney+), theme parks, gaming, consumer products, and Disney store retail operations.
