MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company in India has announced the appointment of Abhishek Maheshwari as vice president and head Disney consumer products. Maheshwari will take charge from 10 July and replaces Roshini Bakshi who resigned from the company to pursue other interests.

“Abhishek has been a key member of our management team since 2012.  Over this time, he has worked closely on the integration of Disney and UTV, on identifying local growth initiatives for the Company and on formulating our long-term strategy in India,” said The Walt Disney Company India managing director Siddharth Roy Kapur.

“Abhishek brings to this role a deep understanding of our businesses along with a diverse set of leadership skills, and he is well placed to help us continue to grow our consumer products business in India,” he added.

In addition to focusing his energies on leading Disney’s consumer products business, Maheshwari will continue to oversee corporate strategy and business development for the company in India.

“Powered by the world’s biggest storytelling franchises, a rich slate of local content development and strong licensing partnerships, Disney has a wonderful opportunity to connect with audiences across the country in a deeper way than ever before,” said Maheshwari. “I am delighted to have this opportunity to help deliver Disney’s unique magic to Indian families.”

Before joining Disney, Maheshwari worked in various management roles for Kubera and prior to that with McKinsey & Company at its Mumbai and Stamford, Connecticut offices. Abhishek received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with distinction from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi.  

“For nine years Roshini demonstrated the highest levels of commitment and dedication and leaves the business in a solid position for future growth,” said Roy Kapur. “We are extremely thankful for her contribution and wish her every success in the future.”