The executive, who hails from Amazon, arrives to fill the newly created position at Disney Entertainment to turn around original programming outside the United States.
Jon Wax was named executive vice president of international original television at Disney Entertainment, a newly created position intended to establish closer oversight of Disney’s original content outside the United States.
Wax arrives from Amazon, where he oversaw the genre development team, including sci-fi and fantasy titles The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and The Boys spinoff, Gen V.
In her new role at Disney Entertainment, Wax will work alongside the head of international television strategy and operations, Kristen Finney, focusing on the creative side of the company’s global television landscape and Finney’s operations. The duo will work collaboratively with regional teams rather than as a centralized leadership team to oversee those divisions.
Like Finney, Wax will report directly to Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios and Disney Entertainment’s global original television strategy. He will be based in Los Angeles.
Schrier commented that his regional teams had done an incredible job building an exceptional slate of locally produced content, driving growth on streaming platforms. “Jon’s vast experience and unique perspective will serve us well as we continue to elevate our global content strategy with impactful shows that resonate with customers worldwide.”
For his part, Wax added, “From Moving and The Boss to the upcoming Renegade Nell, Disney has an impressive portfolio of international content. I’m thrilled to join the team and for the opportunity to work with the outstanding regional groups, supporting their efforts to make industry-leading original programming for subscribers.”
