The Walt Disney Company has tapped former McDonald’s Japan president and CEO Tamotsu Hiiro as the new managing director of its Japanese business unit.

The veteran business executive succeeds Carol Choi, who is stepping down as managing director after five years but who will continue to oversee Disney’s content strategy, networks and marketing campaigns as VP of APAC Studios.

Based out of Disney’s Tokyo office, Tamotsu will report directly to APAC president Luke Kang, with the remit to oversee the growth of Disney’s entertainment ventures throughout Japan. These include everything from films and TV shows, to theme parks, consumer products and the Disney Store retail unit. Tamotsu will also leverage his local business network to secure new partnerships for the company. 

Prior to joining Disney, Tamotsu led McDonald’s Japan for six years as CEO. Last year, he helped the fast-food restaurant chain achieve a record-breaking US$5.18 billion (777 billion Japanese yen) in revenue. He also worked for more than 30 years at Johnson & Johnson, where he served in several executive roles, including president (2012 to 2018) and SVP of innovation and growth (2010 to 2011).