Disney to cut jobs and costs internationally
According to inside and outside sources, Disney is expected to make redundancies and budget cuts soon, with plans currently being finalized.
Disney+ employs around 5,000 people globally, with 40% based in Hammersmith, West London. The content team responsible for the platform's extensive library operates from London, led by EVP Diego Londono. The company also has local experts across Europe and Asia and boots on the ground in key territories to enhance customers' viewing experience.
Disney CEO Bob Iger recently visited London and met with staff and visited studios where Disney films are being shot. The company's shareholder meeting took place yesterday, and the first of three rounds of layoffs started last week as CEO Bob Iger seeks $5.5BN in cost savings.
The recent announcement of layoffs proposed by Iger in February has caused concern among employees, especially those who report to Rebecca Campbell, Chairman of International Operations.
It's possible that nervousness is due to her impending departure, which was announced just one day after news of layoffs broke. Reports suggest that international teams, as well as marketing and legal departments, are most likely to be affected by these layoffs. It's unclear whether the international layoffs will be in addition to the 7,000 previously mentioned.
In June, Campbell is expected to leave her position, and so far, no announcement has been made regarding her successor. Campbell is recognized for her success in launching Disney+ in several regions, such as Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, and for her oversight of Star+ in Latin America. After 26 years, she is leaving her role.
Disney+’s key international originals include Extraordinary, Oussekine, and The Ignorant Angels. Shows in production include A Thousand Blows penned by Steven Knight and starring Stephen Graham, Malachi Kirby, Nautilus, and an Australian adaptation of The Artful Dodger.
Disney is gearing up for Star Wars Celebration Europe this week in London. Deadline Hollywood noted that Disney declined to comment on the cuts. As the situation develops, more information on the names and headcount details of those affected is expected to emerge.
