ABC television executive Rebecca Campbell will move into an international role as president, The Walt Disney Company Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), beginning January 1.

Campbell will transition from her longtime role as president of ABC Owned Television Station Group and ABC Daytime to manage businesses across those regions as current president Diego Lerner returns to his Buenos Aires home for a new, unspecified position with the Walt Disney International management team, reporting to its chairman Andy Bird.

“Rebecca’s ability to manage and lead the many disparate and geographically diverse stations across the U.S. with such incredible success makes her the best choice to lead our efforts in such a complex region,” Bird said in a statement. “Given Rebecca’s leadership role in the ever-changing media and entertainment landscape, she is uniquely positioned for success. Her combination of creative experience, leadership skills and business acumen will be a tremendous asset as we continue to develop new avenues of growth.”

During her 20 years at Disney/ABC Television Group, Campbell has been responsible for the company’s eight local TV stations and digital assets in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno. She also oversees ABC National Television Sales and ABC Daytime.

With more than 34 years of experience in broadcasting, Campbell has also led top-rated local television stations in Pennsylvania and New York.

She will replace Lerner, who has served as president of The Walt Disney Company EMEA since 2009. Who will replace Campbell to oversee ABC’s owned stations remains in question.

Disney’s international business has grown significantly during his tenure as he reshaped the organization to generate greater local relevance across the region’s more than 100 countries, Walt Disney International said in a press release.

Prior to his EMEA role, he held a similar position for 10 years in Latin America, where he led an effort to integrate all Disney lines of business under a single operational structure, marking the first time such a reorganization had been implemented overseas, and establishing a template for Disney International’s operations around the globe.

Bird called his contributions to Disney transformational and long lasting.

“In addition to successfully helping us expand in key international markets, launching new businesses and developing new programming, he is a trusted advisor and tireless advocate for what makes Disney stand apart: our commitment to creating high-quality family entertainment,” Bird said.

Campbell said his hard work over the past decade leaves the company well prepared for the next wave of growth.

“I look forward to working with everyone in EMEA to elevate the Disney business, deepen our connection with existing consumers and engage new ones,” Campbell said.

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