Disney Names Exec to Oversee China Business

Walt Disney Co. said it named John Feenie as executive vice president for China affairs, as the second-biggest entertainment company prepares to expand in one of the world’s largest markets. Feenie, 49, has been president of Walt Disney Consumer Products Asia/Pacific since 1994. It’s the first time Disney has appointed an executive to deal directly with China, and it comes after a controversy earlier this year over its film “Kundun.” The picture, about Tibet, was criticized by the Chinese government. Disney, though, is in a race with firms such as News Corp. and Time Warner Inc. to provide news, TV shows and films to China. Feenie, a native of Australia, has worked for Disney in Asia for a decade. In his new role, he’ll also run DisneyFest, a new mobile attraction that combines shopping with a mini-theme park that will visit cities around the world. Shares of Burbank-based Disney rose $5.13 to close at $114.69 on the New York Stock Exchange.