Paul Candland has been named to the newly created position of president of The Walt Disney Company, Asia.

The 16-year Disney veteran will oversee Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and Greater China. He reports directly to Walt Disney International chairman Andy Bird.

Rob Gilby, managing director of TWDC South East Asia, will report to Candland.

Stanley Cheung, managing director of TWDC Greater China, has been promoted to chairman of TWDC Greater China and reports to Bird.

Senior vice president Luke Kang will assume Cheung’s former role and report to both Cheung and Candland with direct oversight of Disney’s businesses in Greater China.

Kang’s remit does not cover Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which report to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Staggs.

“Asia is a region of incredible growth and great promise for Disney, and these management changes are designed to ensure we maximise our opportunities there today and in the future,” said The Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Bob Iger.

“This new structure will bring greater focus and the ability to share best practices across businesses and countries as we grow strategically in Asian markets.”

“Under Paul’s leadership, we will be able to accelerate our businesses in Greater China, Japan, Korea and South East Asia,” said Bird.

“He has done an amazing job of expanding our business in Japan, delivering double-digit growth across all business segments, particularly with the success of Disney Mobile, Gaming, Disney Stores and Disney Consumer Products, and the launch of DLife, our channel serving young adult female audiences.”

Candland joined Disney in 1998 as representative director and general manager of Disney Store Japan.

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