When launched by The Walt Disney Company in 2019, Disney+ quickly garnered over one million subscribers, and that number now stands at nearly 119 million. Disney+ promised subscribers not only thousands of movies and television series from Disney’s extensive vault, but also a ton of new and original programming from Marvel, Pixar, and LucasFilm. In the time since its launch, the number of new subscribers Disney has seen join its streaming service has slowed considerably, so now Disney is thinking more outside the continental United States.
According to reports, Disney is going to start focusing on its international streaming services and make a big push to get subscribers overseas. In order to do that, Disney has named 24-year Disney veteran Rebecca Campbell as Chairman, International Content and Operations. Disney CEO Bob Chapek also named a number of other appointees who will work with Campbell on the venture.
Per CNBC, who first reported on the changes at Disney:
On Wednesday, the entertainment giant said it had formed an international content group to expand its pipeline in local and regional markets. This group will be helmed by Disney streaming executive Rebecca Campbell, who will directly report to CEO Bob Chapek, in the newly expanded role of chairman, international content and operations.
“Great content is what drives the success of our streaming services, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work even more closely with the talented creators in our international markets who are producing new stories with local relevance to delight our audiences around the globe,” Campbell said in a statement.
According to reports, Disney currently has 340 local and regional titles in different stages of development and production. Disney is hoping that releasing this new content onto its international platforms will help drive up subscription numbers.
While Rebecca Campbell will be heading the operation, Chapek made other administrative changes, including promoting Michael Paull to the newly created position of President of Disney Streaming. Paull will be overseeing the platform and work under Kareem Daniels, who heads Disney’s Media and Entertainment Distribution division. Campbell, on the other hand, will be reporting right to Chapek.
