Amazon’s Jon Wax Joins Disney In International TV Role As Mouse House Looks To Bolster Disney+’s Global Originals

Jon Wax is heading to Disney.

Wax joins from Amazon, where he previously overaw its genre development division, which was responsible for series including The Rings of Power and The Boys spinoff Gen V. From last summer, he was also Head of Global Content Synergy – TV, working with the streamer’s global TV content groups, not too dissimilar to his new role at Disney.

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He takes on the new role of EVP, International Original Television for Disney Entertainment. He will work alongside Kristen Finney, Disney Entertainment’s EVP, International Television Strategy & Operations.

In the newly created role, Wax will work with regional leaders and their teams across the globe to create local content for Disney+. He will be based in Los Angeles and report directly to Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios and Global Original Television Strategy for Disney Entertainment.

Wax and Finney, who took on the role in 2022, will work together with Wax leading the creative side of things and Finney overseeing operations.

They will work with the regional teams to develop local originals for Disney+ but it will not be a centralized group overseeing the international teams.

Disney+’s international originals including upcoming historical drama Renegade Nell, from Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright, Lat Am series The Boss and South Korean supernatural drama Moving.

Wax had been at Amazon for around four years, having previously led the drama and movies division for YouTube Originals. Before that, he was EVP, original programming at WGN America/Tribune Studios, where he oversaw series including Underground, Outsiders and Manhattan. He began his career at Fox working on shows such as 24, Bones and Prison Break and serving as VP, Drama Development at Twentieth Century Fox Television.

Wax called Disney’s international content portfolio “impressive”.  “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,” he added.

“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,” added Schrier. “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.”

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