Disney India announces key strategic roles for growth across the country

The Walt Disney Company India announces three expanded strategic leadership roles in line with the company’s commitment to growing the Disney brand in India. The announcement was made by Mahesh Samat, managing director, The Walt Disney Company, India.

“In our continued efforts to deliver an unparalleled family-focused Disney entertainment experience to Indian consumers, we believe investing in our people is paramount. With the expanded responsibilities of key functions, I am confident that together our teams will continue to bring alive the Disney magic to many more Indian kids and families,” said Mr. Samat. 

Retail has emerged as an integral part of Disney’s consumer products business. In order to meet the fast changing tastes of consumers and expanding retail footprint, Roshini Bakshi, has been promoted to vice president, Consumer Products, Publishing and Retail. In this role, Ms. Bakshi will oversee all of Disney’s retail interests and continue to be responsible for creating and executing strategy for both the consumer products and publishing businesses, in addition to retail. Ms. Bakshi has been with Disney for over four years and has played a critical role in building the Disney Consumer Products and Publishing business in India.

With over 300 million movie admissions each year, the Studios business is one of the key growth drivers for the Disney brand. With the growing appetite for local content, Swati Shetty has been promoted to executive director, Theatrical Productions and Acquisitions, Walt Disney Studios International Production (India), responsible for creative and production efforts and managing talent relationships for local projects. Over the past five years, Ms. Shetty has played key roles including advertising sales and content syndication.

Vijay Subramaniam has been promoted to executive director, Disney India Media Solutions and Alliances (DIMSA). Mr. Subramaniam has been instrumental in driving the ad sales function for the Disney network of television channels and in this new role, he will be responsible for identifying commercial opportunities across all the Disney businesses (including TV, Studios, Merchandising, Publishing, Mobile, Internet and Live Events) in India to better align our advertisers and brand partners.

About The Walt Disney Company in India
Disney is a Dow 30 Company, had annual revenues of over US$36 billion in its most recent fiscal year, and a market capitalization of US$66.06 billion as of May 18th, 2010. Worldwide, The Walt Disney Company has approximately 144,000 employees.

The Walt Disney Company (India) Private Limited opened in July 2004 with its head office located in Mumbai. In less than five years, Disney has established a strong foothold in this diverse and highly dynamic market. Disney in India employs around 161 permanent staff, and anticipates accelerated growth across Media Networks, Interactive media group, Consumer Products, and Studio businesses. Outside of the U.S., India is one of the largest markets Disney has invested in for local production. The Disney Television Network comprising Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV has consistently been one of the leading networks for kids in Cable & Satellite (C&S) programming. The network currently reaches over 71 million C&S homes, offering a blend of quality entertainment and distinct original programming that kids love and families trust and enjoy. Through a block called Disney Jadoo on the terrestrial network Doordarshan, Disney Channel reaches over 145 million homes.