Disney hires TV chief to front marketing team

Walt Disney International (WDI) has promoted television marketing chief Selby Hall to executive vice-president of brand development and marketing for Europe, as part of its global expansion plans.

Hall, who was previously head of marketing and research for Walt Disney Television International (WDTV-I), was appointed by WDI’s new president and managing director, Etienne de Villiers.

He says: “Hall has built a marketing and research organisation that sets the industry standard. She has guided Disney’s presence on international television, ensuring that we understand the expectations consumers have about Disney.”

Prior to joining Disney in 1988, Hall worked on the Kellogg and Kraft accounts at Leo Burnett.

Hall is joined by Niall Curran, former director of organisations development for WDTV-I, who has been appointed executive vice-president of operations for WDI Europe.

De Villiers, former president of WDTV-I, was one of four senior executives appointed to strengthen Disney’s international presence last month. The reorganisation included the creation of three new headquarters for the European, Asian and South American regions in London, Tokyo and Buenos Aires, respectively.

Walt Disney Company’s main divisions in Europe include Buena Vista International, Walt Disney Attractions and WDTV-I.

Since joining Disney, Hall has been heavily involved in formulating the division’s marketing strategy and establishing the Disney brand in the highly competitive international TV market.

Curran worked for nearly a decade with top European and international industrial companies, managing organisations’ development. He also previously worked for textile manufacturer Courtaulds.