Each time we’re visiting a Disney park or resort or even just tuning into Disney+, it feel like there’s usually something new and exciting to see!

However, just like new things come, sometimes we have to say goodbye to the people who have changed the Walt Disney Company as we know it.

According to Variety Magazine, Uday Shankar will be stepping down from his role as the president for the Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific and chairman for Star and Disney India on December 31st, 2020. Instead, he will be pursuing an entrepreneurial career, where he is in line to take over as the next president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce.

Shankar joined Disney in February 2019, bringing his experience as the president of 21st Century Fox for Asia and CEO of Star India with him. Previously, he was able to make a joint venture with ESPN and 21st Century Fox and consolidate Star’s sports broadcasting. During his time with the Disney company, he was able to make Disney+ Hotstar the region’s most popular streaming platform.

Shankar started that, “I have always believed in the power of creativity and cutting-edge technology to create a better world and consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so at Star, 21CF and now at The Walt Disney Company. As I look back on this journey, I take pride in having set ambitious goals in my professional career and achieving all that we set out to do.

For some time now, I have been contemplating the question of how I give back to the country, community, and, the industry that have given me so much. I think the best way to express my gratitude to all of them will be to support and mentor a new generation of entrepreneurs as they set out to create transformational solutions that will have a positive impact on countless lives. I intend to partner with global investors and pioneers to achieve this.”

As Shankar makes plans to step down, he will be working alongside Rebecca Campbell (the chair of Disney’s direct-to-consumer and international segment) to put choose his successor. Campbell said in response, “I want to thank Uday for his leadership and dedication to our APAC business. With the successful launch of Disney Plus throughout the region, he has helped put The Walt Disney Company in a commanding position in this dynamic and incredibly strategic part of the world.

His vast experience and expertise have been invaluable in bringing together a strong, cohesive APAC leadership team to chart a path forward for our streaming businesses in the region and beyond. Uday has been a great friend, colleague, and valued counselor to me personally, and I know I speak for all of DTCI when I say he will be greatly missed. At the same time, I understand and respect his desire to make this change. I am extremely grateful that he has agreed to stay on to help ensure a seamless transition.”

As more details about Shankar’s successor are released, we’ll keep you updated with additional information!

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