The Walt Disney Company has hired Rochelle Knock to lead its sub-Saharan Africa business.
She will be Vice President, Disney+ & Networks and Country Head, Sub-Saharan Africa, when she starts at the company in December. Knock joins from South African business payment solutions compmany Yoco Technologies, where she served most recently as Head of Customer Value Management.
As Country Head, Sub-Saharan Africa, Knock will lead on overall business growth strategy. In addition, she will lead the direct-to-consumer business, the family and factual linear networks, support and partner with Disney’s platform distribution team, and support business development of the business at a regional EMEA level.
Commenting on the appointment, Simon Amselem, Senior Vice President Direct-to-Consumer & Networks and Country Manager Iberia and Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “Rochelle’s appointment to lead the Disney business and team in Sub-Saharan Africa is an important milestone in our 60+ years on the continent. Her deep understanding of the industry landscape coupled with her expertise in customer value and product management complements our ambitious plans to drive growth and reach new audiences with our storytelling.”
Disney+ is currently available in South Africa, while wider Disney activities take place in 40 sub-Saharan countries.
Knock said: “I am honoured to be leading the Disney team in Africa and to collaborate with colleagues across EMEA in delivering long-term growth and impact. It’s an exciting time to be in the media industry and I look forward to building on the strong, dynamic established business to help further deliver Disney’s beloved brands and stories across the continent.”
Besides working at Yoco Technologies, Knock has held senior executive positions at MultiChoice Group, including Executive Head of Product and Base Management and Executive Head of Customer Value Management.
