Press release from The D’Arcy Partnership
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) today announced the appointment of John Cracknell as managing director of The Walt Disney Company Australia Pty Ltd. With this appointment, all Disney lines of business in Australia and New Zealand will be integrated under a single operational structure with all these businesses reporting to Mr. Cracknell.
“Disney has operated in Australia for over 22 years and John has played a key role in the business for 18 of those years,” said Andy Bird, chairman, Walt Disney International. “His local market understanding, expertise, and commitment and passion for growing the brand will enable us to accelerate business growth and take advantage of local opportunities in Australia and New Zealand,” he added.
”The Disney brand has had a long and positive history in Australia and New Zealand,” said Mr. Cracknell. “The introduction of an integrated structure will drive continued growth across all our businesses and will provide opportunities to further deepen our relationships with consumers and our partners here. I am extremely proud to lead our team and continue to build on our place in the market as we enter this exciting new chapter of Disney in Australia and New Zealand.”
John joined Disney in 1992 as Managing Director of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Australia and New Zealand where he was responsible for launching Disney’s home entertainment business. In 1998, John’s remit was expanded to include South East Asia which he managed until 2000. In February 2000 he was named Country Manager, Walt Disney International for Australia and New Zealand and held the dual position as Managing Director of the Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment division for Australia and New Zealand.
Prior to joining The Walt Disney Company Australia, Mr. Cracknell worked with Pacific Dunlop, a consumer and industrial conglomerate, where he was General Manager of the Malvern Star Bicycle Division. Prior to this Mr. Cracknell was a Divisional Manager with Adidas Australia.
Mr. Cracknell will continue to be based in the company’s Melbourne head office. He will report to Mr. Bird.
About The Walt Disney Company Australia
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, interactive media and consumer products. Disney is a Dow 30 company with revenues of nearly US$36billion in its most recent fiscal year.
The Walt Disney Company entered the Australian market in 1988, and has offices in Melbourne and Sydney and employs over 160 cast members. Today, The Walt Disney Company is one of the most active and largest foreign entertainment companies in Australia with diversified business in consumer products, games, publishing, mobile content, television and family entertainment programs.