Disney Japan Taps McDonald’s Veteran Tamotsu Hiiro as New Managing Director

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The Mouse House has a new captain steering its ship in Japan.

On a recent Friday, it was announced that Tamotsu Hiiro has been appointed as the new managing director for The Walt Disney Company in Japan. With over three decades of business leadership under his belt, Tamotsu is now set to report directly to Luke Kang, president of Disney’s Asia Pacific operations.

Previously working as the head of McDonald’s Japan, where he served as both president and CEO, Tamotsu is now moving to Disney. Before his tenure with the fast-food giant, he had spent nearly three decades at Johnson & Johnson, eventually rising to the position of president for the company’s Japanese division.

The transition in leadership occurs as Carol Choi relinquishes her position at the helm of Japan, a post she held for five years in Tokyo. However, Choi will persist in her regional duties, serving as Executive Vice President for APAC studios, strategic planning for original content, networks, and integrated marketing.

or simply:

Carol Choi is stepping down from her role as the head of Japan after five years, but she’ll keep her regional responsibilities in APAC studios, content strategy, networks, and marketing.

Under Choi’s leadership, she effectively established Disney+ as a thriving streaming platform in the challenging Japanese market. Simultaneously, she orchestrated a series of blockbuster movies such as “Mufasa: The Lion King,” “Moana 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and “Inside Out 2.” Furthermore, she laid the groundwork for Disney’s original content strategy in Japan and assembled a dedicated team.

We’re delighted to welcome Hiiro-san, an accomplished leader, to helm our Japan operations. As we strive to strengthen our consumer relationships in this crucial market, his expertise, strategic thinking, and extensive local connections are expected to elevate our Disney Entertainment business in Japan to unprecedented levels,” Kang stated.

As a movie buff might say: “I’m thrilled to share that Hiro-san is stepping up, leveraging the robust foundation of growth established by Carol Choi in our Japanese operations. She’s left an indelible mark and will remain a strategic partner as we navigate crucial aspects of our APAC business together.

Tamotsu expressed his excitement about becoming part of the renowned and esteemed global corporation, The Walt Disney Company, which has captivated countless generations with its beloved stories and characters. As Japan gains significance as a crucial market for both consumers and content creation in the entertainment industry, he is eager to seize the chance to lend his talents to the ongoing surge of success within the company.

In addition to his executive positions within corporations, Tamotsu also holds the position of Vice-Chairman in Keizai Doyukai, which is known as the Japanese Association of Corporate Executives.

OR

Tamotsu’s corporate leadership roles are not all he does; he is also Vice-Chairman of Keizai Doyukai, an organization that represents top business leaders in Japan.

OR

Outside his corporate positions, Tamotsu holds the position of Vice-Chairman for Keizai Doyukai, a Japanese association made up of leading business executives.

Disney’s ties with Japan stretch as far back as 1959, when they initially set up their commercial operations in the country. Presently, Walt Disney Japan extends its influence across various entertainment realms such as film production (studios), streaming services (Disney+), amusement parks, video games, merchandising, and retail outlets under the Disney store brand.

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2025-03-28 11:16