VP, Partnerships, Direct-to-Consumer, APAC

Role Overview

The Vice President, DTC Partnerships, APAC is a key member of the APAC DTC leadership team and plays a pivotal role in advancing the region’s Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) business. Based in Tokyo, Seoul, or Sydney/Melbourne, this leader will drive strategies and oversee teams that foster growth through partnerships with diverse organizations across APAC markets.

The scope of partnerships spans multiple verticals, including but not limited to:

• Telecommunications
• Utilities and Pay TV operators
• Device manufacturers
• Corporate benefits programs
• Ride-hailing and food delivery platforms
• E-commerce
• Music, entertainment, and news services
• Airlines, hospitality, and automotive sectors

The VP will set a unified regional strategy, establish priorities, make trade-offs, and advocate for product and technology capabilities essential for success. This role directly manages territory DTC partnership leaders, the Head of Technical Account Management, and co-manages Partner Marketing.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and lead the execution of the APAC DTC Partnerships strategy aligned with Disney+ vision and long-term goals.
• Partnership Development: Identify, structure, and close complex partnership deals that deliver measurable business value.
• Best Practices: Define and implement processes for identifying relevant partners and ensure effective deal execution across the region.
• Performance Management: Establish clear goals, track progress, provide timely feedback, and address performance issues promptly.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, develop, and retain a strong leadership team, including heads of Partnerships, Technical Account Management, and Partner Marketing (co-led with Marketing). Provide coaching and guidance to maximize performance and professional growth.
• Brand Growth: Expand Disney+ reach and strengthen brand presence through innovative partnership models.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Territory Managing Directors to achieve business targets and support broader organizational objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster strong relationships with local, regional, and global stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Culture Building: Promote an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative culture that values creativity, respect, and excellence.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with Product & Tech, Content, Marketing, and other Disney teams worldwide to advance APAC DTC business.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in business development and partnerships, preferably in technology or media.
• Proven success as a strategic partnerships leader in D2C businesses, with deep understanding of APAC markets and a strong external network in media and entertainment.
• Significant senior leadership experience managing leaders of leaders in a matrixed, multi-functional environment.
• Expertise in high-stakes negotiations, including drafting and closing complex agreements.
• Strong balance of strategic and operational skills; ability to lead in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Collaborative leadership style with a focus on inclusion, talent development, and team performance.
• Adaptable, proactive, and results-driven with a strategic and agile mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in multinational, highly matrixed organizations.
• Deep APAC experience and established relationships with senior business leaders.
• Willingness to travel extensively for partner and internal meetings.
• Consistent track record of exceeding targets.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Japanese or Korean is a plus.