Senior Manager, APAC Business Development and India Commercialization - Publishing & Digital Experiences

This is an office-based role in our Mumbai, India office.

Wherever you are in the amazing world of Disney, you are contributing to the stories of our iconic brands, recognised by audiences everywhere for entertainment, information and inspiration. Innovation, imagination and inclusion are at the core of Disney, defining the experience that we deliver as well as providing the foundation of our success. The scope of our business, combined with global growth and collaboration result in an inclusive employee experience characterised by continuous learning, development and achievement.

About Disney Consumer Products

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the division of Disney Experiences that brings beloved brands and franchises into the daily lives of families and fans through products — including toys, t-shirts, apps, books, and more — and experiences that can be found around the world. This includes on the Disney Store e-commerce platform, Disney Parks, local and international retailers, and Disney Store locations globally. The business is home to world-class teams of experts in product, licensing, and retail; artists and storytellers; and technologists who inspire imaginations around the world.

About Disney Publishing

As one of the world’s largest publishing brands of books, magazines, and digital experiences, Disney Publishing ignites imagination by delivering captivating stories in dynamic and innovative ways. With a presence in over 100 countries and products available in more than 40 languages, Disney’s storytelling connects fans of all ages through the universal power of imagination and joy.

About the Role

The Senior Manager, APAC Business Development & India Commercialisation for Publishing & Digital Experiences​ will be responsible for driving digital adoption and business development frameworks across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, while taking direct, ownership of commercialisation and market scaling in India.

This role will manage a direct report focused on APAC business development, align regional digital strategies, and execute localized commercial models to capture the unique high-growth opportunities within the Indian market.

Responsibilities:

(1) APAC Business Development

• Partner with the VP of APAC Publishing & Digital Experiences to shape strategies that drive digital publishing growth across APAC, identify new business opportunities, develop go-to-market plans, and secure cross-functional alignment.
• Analyze market trends, competitive activity, and business performance to generate actionable insights for senior management and support effective decision-making.
• Support the annual strategic business review and five-year planning process.
• Work with Publishing cluster heads to build business cases for new digital opportunities, including revenue potential, cost implications, and key risks.
• Track and evaluate business performance trends to identify risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Support organizational transformation initiatives across the function.

(2) India Commercialization Lead

• Lead and grow the India publishing licensing business across print, digital, and learning products, leveraging Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox properties.
• Develop strategies that drive India’s print and digital publishing growth plans and commercial targets.
• Identify new business opportunities, build go-to-market plans, and align key stakeholders to support execution.
• Assess market needs and identify the right products, launch timing, business models, and licensee or partner mix for growth.
• Develop and negotiate partner agreements and oversee product and marketing approvals for licensees.

Finance and Accounting Responsibilities

• Drive Publishing & Digital Experiences categories to meet or exceed commercial targets.
• Manage the India P&L effectively and support sound commercial decision-making.
• Lead forecast alignment discussions with licensees and partners.
• Partner closely with Finance to inform decisions through analysis and performance insight.
• Prepare forecasts, strategy presentations, category plans, annual operating plans, long-term plans, and business reviews as required.
• Ensure partners prepare and present quarterly business reviews.
• Lead partner contracting and renewals across Publishing & Digital Experiences, including commercial negotiations.

Retail

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key retail buyers across the portfolio.
• Lead strategic engagement with local and regional marketing and retail teams to maximize cross-category opportunities across physical and event-based retail execution.
• Foster a culture of strong collaboration with local marketing and retail teams.

Promotions & Marketing

• Prioritize opportunities across the broader Disney business, including Disney channels, to maximize sell-through and category impact.
• Contribute to Disney Consumer Products Marketing & Retail planning as required.

Product Development – Publishing-specific

• Ensure publishing approvals are executed in line with Disney Publishing Worldwide requirements and licensee agreements.
• Ensure licensees and partners deliver product development within agreed rights and contractual terms.
• Maintain a publishing pipeline aligned to the publishing strategy and broader business priorities.

Requirements:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience across sales, business development, account or project management, digital platforms, licensing, and retail, including 3+ years of people management experience.
• Proven track record of delivering financial targets, leading successful market initiatives, and building effective internal and external partnerships.
• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience operating in a matrixed organization and influencing senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Sound understanding of licensing and digital business models, brand and property positioning, retail distribution, and partner capabilities.
• Strong consumer and commercial insights, with the ability to interpret data, build clear narratives, and support decision-making.
• Strong financial acumen and the ability to translate analysis into practical conclusions and recommendations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Fluency in English and at least one Indian language preferred.
• Able to deliver high-quality output in a fast-paced, complex, and entrepreneurial environment.
• Collaborative team player with strong relationship-building skills across functions.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadlines.
• Well-developed analytical judgment and clarity of thought.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership.

Educational Qualifications:

• Strong academic record, ideally supported by a degree from a leading institution.

​The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. We are committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.