VP, Regional Merchandising & PD, APAC

As Vice President of Product Design & Development (PDD) for APAC, you will lead the strategic vision, design direction, and execution of product across all categories—softlines, hardlines, and consumables—for both licensed and Disney-manufactured products. This role is pivotal in shaping consumer product experiences across Disney’s iconic brands including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios, while supporting the commercial goals of our licensing business and Disney Stores.

The role will oversee product design and development teams across APAC markets which include- Greater China, Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, and India.

Role reports to Senior Vice President, Global Product Design and Development, with a dotted reporting line to the Senior Vice President, Brand Commercialization, APAC. This role will be based in Shanghai, China.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Brand Stewardship

• Define and drive the regional product design and development strategy aligned with global brand priorities and commercial objectives.
• Champion innovation, quality, and originality across all product categories, ensuring alignment with brand values and consumer expectations with licensee partners and The Disney Stores.
• Serve as a key guardian of Disney IP, ensuring all products reflect the integrity and storytelling of our franchises.

Product Design & Execution

• Oversee the end-to-end design process from concept to market across softlines, hardlines, and consumables.
• Deliver consumer-centric, trend-forward product lines that drive revenue, market share, and brand equity.
• Ensure all products meet or exceed global quality standards and deliver exceptional value.
• Partner with global and regional commercial, brand, marketing, merchandising, sourcing, and creative teams to bring compelling product stories to life.

Cross-Functional & Market Collaboration

• Collaborate with global and regional leadership to translate briefs into regionally relevant, high-performing product lines for licensed and Disney Store merchandise.
• Leverage consumer insights and market trends to inform design decisions and innovation pipelines.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead and inspire a high-performing, diverse team of designers and developers across multiple markets.
• Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and collaboration across functions and geographies.
• Build talent pipelines and mentor future leaders in product design and development.
• Drive trend forecasting and cultural insight integration into the design process to inform new product directions and inspire breakthrough innovation.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in product creation roles, with a strong portfolio across categories.  
• Proven success in leading large, diverse, and geographically dispersed teams.
• Deep understanding of brand/IP management, especially within entertainment or consumer products. Softlines expertise is a must.
• Demonstrated ability to balance creative excellence with commercial acumen.
• Experience working with global retailers, licensees, and internal stakeholders to deliver high-impact product lines.
• Strong communication, storytelling, and influencing skills across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment and navigate complexity with agility.
• Willingness to travel regionally and globally as needed.