Miller To Head Walt Disney Int’l (Asia-Pacific)

Doug Miller has been appointed evp/md of Walt Disney International (Asia-Pacific), as well as svp/md of Walt Disney Television International (Asia Pacific), overseeing all Disney television activities in the region. Miller will continue to lead television development for the company in Asia and is based in Hong Kong.

“From a strategic perspective, the Asia-Pacific region is a key area of long-term growth for the entire Disney organization, which is why it is crucial to have an executive of Doug’s caliber in place, whose extensive international business experience will lead our efforts in further developing Disney’s businesses throughout Asia,” said Andy Bird, president, Walt Disney International, to whom Miller reports. “In an increasingly competitive and diversified international marketplace, Doug’s outstanding abilities, which he has successfully demonstrated in growing our television business throughout Asia, will be a significant asset.”

Miller also reports to David Hulbert, president, Walt Disney Television International (WDTV-I). “Doug has played an instrumental role in Disney’s successful television presence throughout the Asia-Pacific region and has been vital in positioning the company to take advantage of future growth opportunities in the area,” said Hulbert. “I am confident that Doug will continue to drive the television business forward as we prepare to launch more channels and products, and that his insight and leadership will prove invaluable in his new role at Walt Disney International in expanding all of Disney’s activities in the region.”

Miller will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing growth opportunities for Disney throughout the Asia-Pacific region (excluding Japan), and for targeting new businesses, expanding and increasing penetration of existing businesses, and leading the development of business and operations in emerging markets.
Previously, Miller was svp/md of WDTV-I (Asia-Pacific) since August 2002, where he led the development of all television businesses throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, China and India. Miller’s successes include the expansion of Disney Channel in Asia, the recent introduction of Playhouse Disney Channels, the growth of terrestrial Disney-branded programming blocks, and the increased distribution of programming through Buena Vista International Television (Asia-Pacific). Disney branded programming now reaches more than 300 million Asian households each week.

Prior to that, Miller was svp and general sales manager, Buena Vista International Television (BVI-TV), for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. While at BVI-TV, Miller strengthened the Disney sales organization across Europe and in key emerging and developing markets.

Miller joined WDTV-I as a vp in Disney’s London offices in 2000, after working in various gm and sales management roles for Disney Channel in the U.S. including the development and implementation of the distribution sales strategy for the launch of Toon Disney and SoapNet.