Disney Channel has made no less than six senior appointments in Europe, following the channel’s transition from premium to basic distribution.
The executives are: Disney Channel veteran Michael Cairns (pictured) who is returning to the UK as vice president and general manager, Disney Channels UK and Ireland; Lars Wagner who joins the company in the new role of vice president and general manager, Disney Channel Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Hélène Etzi who has been promoted to vice president and general manager, Disney Channel France; Casper Bjorner who has been promoted to vice president and general manager, Disney Channels Scandinavia and Emerging Markets; Nicoletta Gelli who has been named vice president, brand marketing, Disney Channels EMEA and Anna Hill who has been promoted to executive director, Marketing, Disney Channels EMEA.
All of the named staff will report to John Hardie, executive vice president and managing director, Disney Channels Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
The reorganisation creates dedicated franchise management and regional marketing teams. A new management team has been created with responsibility for Disney Channels in Scandinavia and the broadcaster’s emerging markets.