McDonald’s alum Tamotsu Hiiro appointed MD of Disney Japan as Carol Choi steps down

Former McDonald’s Japan president and CEO Tamotsu Hiiro has been named as the new MD of Disney Japan, with Carol Choi stepping down from the top job at the Tokyo-based company.

Tamotsu Hiiro

Reporting to Luke Kang, president of Disney’s Asia Pacific (APAC) operations, Tamotsu is charged with strengthening consumer connections and overseeing the Mouse House’s growth strategy.

He joins Disney from a six-year stint at McDonald’s Japan, serving initially as chief support officer before being upped to president and CEO of the fast-food giant.

Prior to that he spent eight years at pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson, first as senior VP of innovation and growth before being promoted to president in 2012.

Choi steps down as leader of Disney Japan after five years in the role but will continue her regional duties as executive VP for APAC studios, original content strategy, networks and integrated marketing. Her achievements include establishing streamer Disney+ in Japan as well as overseeing the platform’s original content strategy.

Kang said: “I believe his [Hiiro’s] deep market insight, strategic business acumen and extensive local network will bring our Disney Entertainment business to new heights in Japan. Hiiro-san will build on the solid foundation of growth spearheaded by Carol Choi, who has made an indelible impact on our Japan business and will continue to partner with me on many strategic, key pillars of our APAC business.”

Tamotsu said: “As Japan grows in strategic importance as a consumer and content hub for the entertainment industry, I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the exciting momentum of the company.”