Director, Consumer Strategy & Business Development - 12 months FTC

Director, Consumer Strategy & Business Development

Reports To

Vice President, Consumer Strategy & Business Development

Location

Hammersmith, London. We operate a hybrid model, 4 days in the office and 1 day from home (Monday or Friday)

Contract Type

Fixed Term (12 months), full-time contract, starting September 2025.

Disney+ is The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) video entertainment service, offering premium branded content alongside a broad general entertainment library, appealing to families and adults alike. The service consists of long form and short form video built around six key content brands (Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star) with an appealing and easy-to-use interface accessed across multiple platforms (e.g., smart TVs, mobile devices).

The Consumer Strategy & Business Development (CS&BD) team is responsible for Disney’s DTC strategy across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), including driving the growth and long-term evolution of Disney+ in the region, exploring new market entries, and developing innovative ways to expand and enhance the Disney+ experience for consumers. It also plays a key role in shaping our DTC content proposition, including building new content partnerships and leading local content acquisitions for Disney+.

In addition to its DTC responsibilities, this team also leads various cross-business projects within Disney’s Entertainment and ESPN segments, optimizing overall performance in the region.

Working closely with both EMEA business leads and global US-based teams, the CS&BD team provides invaluable support and direction in driving long-term growth and delivering global strategic goals. The team’s activities and accomplishments contribute to the growth and success of The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) in EMEA.

Key areas of responsibility include:

Organic Development

• Evolution of our commercial offer, introduction of new product features, launching in new markets. Lead strategic & financial analysis of growth opportunities for Disney+ in EMEA, including evolution of our commercial offer, new product features, and market launches.
• Review business plans prepared by local Country Managers, assessing their alignment with our strategy and contribution to operational and financial goals.

Drive the preparation of the annual strategic business review and five-year financial plan in EMEA, including leading specific DTC workstreams and coordinating with all relevant Regional and US/Global stakeholders.

Monitor key market trends across consumer behavior and competitors, extracting insights to inform key decisions.

Partnerships & Licensing

Evaluate potential commercial partnerships for strategic fit and impacts, including:

• Collaborations with other streaming services
• Distribution of Disney+ through wholesale partners (e.g., Pay TV/Telecom operators, Consumer Brands)
• Opportunities to establish strategic partnerships with external content producers (e.g., linear TV channels)
• Opportunities to license external content and rights (e.g., films, series, sports rights)

Professional Experience

Significant experience in a Strategy role in the Media & Entertainment sector or within a top-tier Management/Strategy consultancy with projects in the media sector.

Understanding of streaming/DTC business, experience in commercial negotiations and/or long-range planning is preferable.

Experience working closely with senior leadership across multiple markets.

Proven track record of delivering and leading projects to high standards and demanding deadlines.

Experience managing and developing team members.

Personal Skills & Attributes

Proactive, self-motivated, autonomous, with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.

Clear, structured thinker with strong analytical skills.

Excellent relationship-building skills to engage stakeholders across geographies and functions.

Strong verbal and written communication skills to articulate strategies and priorities effectively.

Ability to work in fast-paced environments, managing multiple projects and adapting to changing needs while meeting deadlines.