Disney Channels Worldwide has made six executive appointments to support its expansion plans in Europe.

Disney Channel veteran Michael Cairns is now VP and GM, Disney Channels UK and Ireland; Lars Wagner will head up Disney Channel Germany, Switzerland and Austria as VP and GM; Hélène Etzi takes the same post at Disney Channel France; Casper Bjorner, meanwhile, is now VP and GM of Disney Channels Scandinavia and emerging markets; Nicoletta Gelli will take on the role of VP of brand marketing for Disney Channels EMEA; and finally Anna Hill has been named executive director of marketing, Disney Channels EMEA.

All of the above execs will report to John Hardie, EVP and MD of Disney Channels EMEA.

The new organisational structure follows Disney Channel EMEA’s transition to basic distribution, which more than doubles its reach from 14 million to 32 million households in Europe.