<p><strong><em><u>Walt Disney Sub-Saharan Africa Country Head \ Based in Sandton, South Africa \ Package includes generous benefits & incentives \ Prerequisites: Proven leadership ability in matrix environment, strategic and commercial acumen, consumer/brand experience, Africa exposure \ D2C Preferred </u></em></strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Lead Disney’s Vision in Sub-Saharan Africa</strong></p><p>With its iconic brands, Disney entertains and inspires millions of consumers resulting in annual revenues of over $90 billion worldwide. This is a rare opportunity to lead The Walt Disney Company’s operations across Sub-Saharan Africa. As Country Head, you will oversee high-performing teams across multiple business lines—including Disney+, TV Networks, Ad Sales, Studios, Sports and more—while serving as the regional spokesperson and driving Disney’s strategic growth priorities in the region. You will be responsible for leading all staff, managing shared services, developing and executing Disney+ growth strategies, overseeing TV channels like Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Nat Geo and Nat Geo Wild, and supporting alignment with Studios, ESPN and live entertainment initiatives as well as the Disney Consumer Products business.</p><p><br></p><p>You must bring a strong commercial mindset, outstanding leadership credentials, and experience scaling consumer-facing businesses across Africa. A track record in D2C subscription platforms (e.g. Netflix, Showmax, Disney+) is highly advantageous.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><ul><li>Lead over 50 employees in the Sandton and Cape Town offices as the Country Head, overseeing all shared services including Finance, HR and Legal</li><li>Be the vocal spokesperson and company representative advocating for the Sub-Saharan Africa region</li><li>Collaboratively set and drive strategic growth priorities across Disney+, linear networks, ad sales, and partnerships</li><li>Directly lead the local Disney+ team by working with the Regional Disney team and developing growth strategies that retain subscribers and leverage external partners</li><li>Directly lead the local Linear Networks team (family and factual TV Channels including Disney Channel, Disney Junior, National Geographic, National Geographic Wild) which includes Programming and Marketing as well as affiliate relationships to ensure regional alignment, drive viewership, maximise sales opportunities and deliver value for affiliates</li><li>Support the Studios (i.e. motion pictures), Sports, and Live Entertainment teams, whilst also collaborating with the Consumer Products team to ensure alignment across the wider EMEA business</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Qualifications and Experience</strong></p><ul><li>Strong tertiary qualifications: a minimum of a degree, ideally business-orientated</li><li>Proven leadership capabilities with experience managing large, diverse teams </li><li>A track record of growing consumer-facing businesses across the African continent</li><li>Deep understanding of the consumer, advertising and media landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially South Africa</li><li>Experience working in a complex, matrixed, international organisation</li><li>Experience with D2C subscription platforms would be advantageous </li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>You may have worked for</strong></p><p>Broadcasters, Advertising agencies, Media agencies, Direct-to-Consumer entities or Consultancy companies such as Disney+, Netflix, Showmax, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Google, Meta, the Multichoice Group (DSTV), eMedia, Paramount Global (Viacom CBS), BBC, CNBC, SABC, BBDO, DDB, Dentsu, Draft FCB, Eurocom, Euro RSCG, FCB Africa, Havas, Isobar, Joe Public, Mediacom, Media Edge, Mindshare, Publicis, Ogilvy, Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA, Accenture, Bain, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Deloitte, McKinsey, or similar organisations</p><p><br></p><p><strong>You may have held titles, now or in the past, such as</strong></p><p>Business Unit Director, Chief Operating Officer, Country Head, Country Manager, Digital Director, General Manager, Group Account Director, Head of Operations, Managing Director, Marketing Director, Media Director, National Manager, Sales Director, Vice President (VP) or similar</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Application Process</strong></p><p>Please submit your CV including a short motivation in the same document. By applying, you consent to Embark Recruitment and The Walt Disney Company Africa processing your personal information for recruitment purposes. Embark Recruitment is Disney’s exclusive recruitment partner for this role. All applications from all sources will be processed through us. </p><p><strong><em>For any questions, you are welcome to confidentially contact Michelle on 076 223 5185 or michelle@embarkrecruitment.co.za</em></strong></p>
