Rochelle will represent The Walt Disney Company in sub-Saharan Africa, driving the overall business growth strategy in this territory and fostering collaboration across the team to deliver on growth opportunities.
The Walt Disney Company has announced the appointment of Rochelle Knock as Vice President, Disney+ & Networks and Country Head, sub-Saharan Africa, effective December. Knock joins the entertainment giant from Yoco Technologies, where she most recently served as Head of Customer Value Management.
In her new role, Knock will lead Disney’s strategic vision and operations across sub-Saharan Africa, driving business growth and fostering collaboration across teams to deliver on new opportunities in the region. She will oversee the company’s direct-to-consumer segment, including Disney+, as well as its family and factual linear networks. Additionally, she will partner with the platform distribution team and support broader initiatives led at the regional EMEA level, ensuring that Disney’s local operations align with the company’s global brand, franchise and business priorities.
Commenting on the appointment, Simon Amselem, Senior Vice President Direct-to-Consumer & Networks and Country Manager Iberia and Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “Rochelle’s appointment to lead the Disney business and team in sub-Saharan Africa is an important milestone in our 60+ years on the continent. Her deep understanding of the industry landscape coupled with her expertise in customer value and product management complements our ambitious plans to drive growth and reach new audiences with our storytelling.”
Rochelle added: “I am honoured to be leading the Disney team in Africa and to collaborate with colleagues across EMEA in delivering long-term growth and impact. It’s an exciting time to be in the media industry and I look forward to building on the strong, dynamic established business to help further deliver Disney’s beloved brands and stories across the continent.”
The Walt Disney Company has maintained a strong presence in Africa, primarily through its operations in South Africa, for more than 60 years. With around 60 employees and offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, Disney reaches audiences in 40 sub-Saharan countries through its diverse portfolio of media and entertainment offerings. Disney+, the company’s flagship streaming service, is currently available in South Africa.
Knock brings a wealth of leadership experience spanning media, telecommunications and digital payment sectors. At Yoco Technologies, she was instrumental in developing strategies for customer retention and product growth in digital payments. Prior to that, she held senior roles at MultiChoice Group, including Executive Head of Product and Base Management and Executive Head of Customer Value Management, where she led teams across product development, consumer marketing, analytics and operations.
