Melissa Dixon Named VP, General Manager, Disney Channels Australia & New Zealand

Feb. 25, 2008 -- Melissa Dixon, a 12-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, has been promoted to Vice President and General Manager, Disney Channels Australia and New Zealand, the market leaders in kids' TV entertainment, it was announced today by Rich Ross, President, Disney Channels Worldwide, to whom she will report. A native of Melbourne, Ms. Dixon will relocate to Sydney from Disney Channel's regional office in Hong Kong in April.

The Company announced last week that Michael Cairns, current Vice President and General Manager, Disney Channels Australia and New Zealand, has been named to lead Disney Channels UK and Ireland.

In making the announcement Ross said, "As our kids' TV business continues to flourish around the world, it's gratifying to recognize those who have contributed so much to the accomplishments of our team. Melissa's breadth of experience at Disney and her exceptional leadership skills make her ideally suited to take our Australia and New Zealand channels to even greater heights."

Dixon said, "I'm thrilled to be returning home to Australia with Disney Channel, especially at such an exciting time for the business which, under Rich and Michael's guidance, has become television's premier kids and family brand around the world as well as locally. I look forward to further building the local business as part of a fabulous team."

In her new role, Dixon will be responsible for management of Disney Channels and Playhouse Disney channels in Australia and New Zealand, including identifying and implementing revenue growth opportunities, ensuring the development and application of programming and marketing strategies and guiding franchise opportunities with other Disney businesses.

Dixon is currently Vice President, Business Operations, Disney Channels Asia Pacific, a role she's held since 2006. Based in Hong Kong, she is responsible for the operational business management and development of Disney Channel's businesses across the region. From 2002-06, she was Vice President Finance, Disney Channels Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), based in London. She transitioned to Disney's Media Networks division from Disney Consumer Products EMEA where she was Regional Finance Director, based in Paris and subsequently, London. She joined the Company in 1996. Previously, she was with Price Waterhouse in Melbourne and Paris.

She is a graduate of University of Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Source: Disney Channel

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