Disney+ is leveling up the way it approaches its international TV slate with the hire of Amazon vet Jon Wax to oversee original programming outside the U.S.
Wax has been named to the newly created role of executive vice president of international original television for Disney Entertainment. In this position, Wax will work alongside Disney’s chief of international TV strategy and operations, Kristen Finney, with Wax focusing on the creative side of the company’s global TV landscape and Finney on operations.
The duo will work in partnership with regional teams, and not as a centralized leadership team to oversee those divisions.
Like Finney, Wax will report directly to Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios and global original television strategy for Disney Entertainment. He will be based in Los Angeles.
Most recently, Wax oversaw Amazon’s genre development team, including sci-fi and fantasy titles “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and “The Boys” spinoff “Gen V.” Prior to joining Amazon, he headed up YouTube Originals’ drama and movies, and previously served as executive vice president of original programming at WGN America/Tribune Studios. He was formerly vice president of drama development at Twentieth Century Fox Television.
“At Disney Entertainment, our regional teams have done an incredible job building an exceptional slate of locally produced content that has fueled the growth of our streaming platforms,” Schrier said Tuesday. “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 around the world.”
Wax added: “From ‘Moving’ and ‘The Boss’ to the upcoming ‘Renegade Nell,’ Disney has an impressive international content portfolio. I’m thrilled to be joining the team and for the opportunity to work with the outstanding regional groups – supporting their efforts to make industry-leading original programming for subscribers.”