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Natasha Malhotra appointed VP and GM for Disney's channels in India

Malhotra will head and oversee Disney's three channels

Walt Disney Television International India has appointed Natasha Malhotra as vice-president and general manager for three of its channels in India, including Disney Channel, Jetix and Hungama TV.

Her appointment comes close on the heels of her predecessor, Antoine Villeneuve, heading back to France after a two year stint with Walt Disney in India. Based in Mumbai, Malhotra will report to Mahesh Samat, senior vice-president and managing director, Walt Disney Company India.

Natasha Malhotra appointed VP and GM for Disney's channels in India
Earlier, Malhotra was working for the Arab Media Group and was based in Dubai. She has also spent 11 years with MTV Network, having begun her career with MTV India in 1996 and subsequently taking up assignments for MTV in countries including Thailand, Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia.

Samat believes that Malhotra's extensive content and creative experience, coupled with her expertise in managing businesses in Asian markets, will enable her to bring in a unique perspective to the Disney India leadership team, thus contributing to the growth of the brand in the country.

Malhotra has also been involved in advertising film production for several years before her stint in the media space. She terms Disney as an iconic brand that generations all over the world have grown up with and looks forward to working with her team to develop and build an exciting entertainment destination for families and kids through the Disney channels.

In an official communiqué, Rich Ross, president, Disney Channels Worldwide, says that the company is looking forward to benefit from Malhotra's beaten track record as a strategic and insightful leader. Known for her innovations, she comes on board with extensive media experience, which will further distinguish and cement Disney's business in the kid driven, round the clock, family inclusive entertainment space in India.

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