Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, October 2025 — The Walt Disney Company has announced the appointment of Rochelle Knock as Vice President, Disney+ & Networks and Country Head, Sub-Saharan Africa, effective December 2025. In her new role, Knock will lead the company’s operations across Sub-Saharan Africa while also overseeing Disney+ and Networks business in the region. She joins Disney from Yoco Technologies, where she most recently served as Head of Customer Value Management.
Driving Disney’s Growth Across Sub-Saharan Africa
As Country Head, Rochelle will represent The Walt Disney Company in Sub-Saharan Africa, driving overall business growth strategy, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring that local operations align with Disney’s global brand, franchise, and business priorities. Her responsibilities will include leading the direct-to-consumer business, overseeing family and factual linear networks, and supporting the platform distribution and regional business development teams within the EMEA framework.
“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,” said Simon Amselem, Senior Vice President, Direct-to-Consumer & Networks and Country Manager, Iberia and Sub-Saharan Africa. “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.”
“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,” said Rochelle Knock. “It’s an exciting time to be in the media industry, and I look forward to building on Disney’s strong, dynamic presence to help deliver our beloved brands and stories across the continent.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Storytelling in Africa
The Walt Disney Company has been active in Africa for more than 60 years, primarily in South Africa, with offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town employing around 60 people. The company entertains, informs, and inspires millions of consumers across 40 Sub-Saharan countries through its iconic storytelling and world-class franchises. Disney+—its direct-to-consumer streaming service—is currently available in South Africa, expanding the company’s digital footprint across the continent.
Rochelle Knock’s Leadership Journey
Rochelle brings extensive leadership experience across media, telecommunications, and digital payments. At Yoco Technologies, she led lifecycle engagement strategies to enhance customer retention and product growth in the digital payments sector.
Before Yoco, she held several senior leadership roles at MultiChoice Group, including Executive Head of Product and Base Management and Executive Head of Customer Value Management, where she led cross-functional teams across product, consumer marketing, data and analytics, and operations—helping scale some of Africa’s most recognized and trusted consumer brands.
About The Walt Disney Company
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Company has entertained, informed, and inspired fans worldwide through its storytelling and creativity. In the UK and Ireland, Disney operates nine office locations and employs 2,800 cast members, representing beloved brands such as Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Across the EMEA region, Disney continues to pioneer innovation and cultural impact through its streaming platforms, theatrical releases, consumer products, and global franchise ecosystem.
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