Walt Disney International Appoints Four Executives for the Asia-Pacific Region

Named by Michael O. Johnson, president and managing director, Walt Disney International, Asia-Pacific, were Edward Borgerding, executive vice president, Asia-Pacific; Koji Hoshino, executive vice president, Japan; Brian Spaulding, senior vice president and chief financial officer for Walt Disney International, Asia-Pacific; and Jun Tang, vice president, China affairs.

"Asia offers tremendous growth potential for The Walt Disney Company, and we are now well positioned to aggressively develop the already popular Disney brand in this critical region," said Robert A. Iger, president of Walt Disney International. "Today's announcement of appointments to key Asian posts completes the lineup of our top regional and country executives at Walt Disney International.

"We now have in place a worldwide team of experienced executives who will grow the Disney brand internationally."

Said Johnson: "Asia-Pacific represents a vital area of future growth for our company. These executives have already spent significant time in the region. By expanding their roles, we will be able to enhance existing businesses and aggressively pursue new business opportunities throughout Asia."

Borgerding, 44, who also will serve as Walt Disney International's manager for Hong Kong, is a 20-year Disney veteran. He is one of the original executives to start the Walt Disney Television International division in London in 1986, as head of worldwide sales. His most recent post was as senior vice president and managing director of Walt Disney Television International for the Asia-Pacific region.

He will continue to be based in Hong Kong and will be responsible for Walt Disney International in the Asia-Pacific region, except for Japan and China.

"Ed has played a key role in developing Disney's international television business," said Johnson. "Under his direction, Disney launched International Disney Channels in Taiwan, Australia and Malaysia, in addition to significantly increasing the distribution of Disney television programs across the region."

Hoshino, 43, has been senior vice president and general manager for Disney's video company, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, in Japan. A 10-year Disney veteran, he spearheaded the growth of Disney's home video sell-through business in Japan.

He has extensive retail, marketing and distribution experience, and played a key role in the acquisition of Studio Ghibli's Miyazaki animated films for distribution worldwide. He will continue to be based in Tokyo, home of Walt Disney International's Asia-Pacific offices.

"Koji is a gifted executive who has led the No. 1 video distribution company in Japan for 10 consecutive years," said Johnson. "Japan will be a major focus for us in this region, so we look to Koji to help us expand our brand presence and build stronger relationships that will continue our progress in this important market."

Spaulding, 39, has most recently served in the Asia-Pacific region as vice president, business development and finance, for Walt Disney Television International.

In this position, he played a key role in the financial restructuring of Disney's television interests in Australia as well as the overall financial development of television across the region. He will relocate to Tokyo from Hong Kong.

"Brian is an 11-year veteran of Disney, and among other accomplishments, established a sound financial and analytical infrastructure for Disney's television operations in Asia," said Johnson.

"He will now be responsible for all of Walt Disney International's financial and information technology activities in Asia, in addition to evaluating new business initiatives in the region."

Tang, 38, has served as vice president of China affairs, where he worked with Disney's business units developing strategies for China operations. Previously, he was vice president, China operations, for ABC, responsible for developing ABC's business in China. A native of China, he continues to be responsible for Disney's relationship with the Chinese government.

"Jun has done a superb job of representing Disney in China and helping establish relationships with the various government agencies," said Johnson. "We look forward to his continued advice and guidance as we seek to expand our activities in China."