The curtain falls on a remarkable era as Christine Service, the esteemed general manager for direct-to-consumer (DTC) and country manager for sub-Saharan Africa at The Walt Disney Company, announces her departure after 27 years with the company, 23 of which have been dedicated to Disney in Africa.
Christine has been instrumental in shaping Disney’s presence on the African continent, cultivating its various brands into a staple for audiences of all ages, from television and film to retail and social responsibility initiatives like Disney+. She moved to South Africa in 2003, marking the beginning of two transformative decades for Disney in the region.
Widely recognised and revered, Christine has been affectionately dubbed South Africa’s “Fairy Godmother of Entertainment.” She will be stepping down from her position in the spring of next year.
If Disney in South Africa were envisioned as an elite private school—operating flawlessly with an immaculate reputation—Christine would be the esteemed principal, skillfully overseeing every detail of the organisation with a touch of magic.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be part of the exceptional EMEA Disney team and to lead the company’s business on the African continent,” Christine reflected. “I have decided that it is now time to pass the baton to a new leader of The Walt Disney Company in Africa. Disney Africa is a dynamic, successful, and growing business. I am excited to see my successor and the phenomenal Africa team continue to take it from strength to strength.”
Tony Chambers, EMEA president of The Walt Disney Company, praised Christine, stating, “Christine has been an invaluable part of our leadership team. Her 27 years at The Walt Disney Company, particularly as general manager for DTC & Networks and country manager for sub-Saharan Africa, have been unparalleled. Under her guidance, Disney in Africa has flourished into the vibrant enterprise it is today, well-positioned for sustained growth. I wish her the utmost success in her next adventure.”
Christine’s influence at Disney has been omnipresent throughout her career in South Africa. Whether it was the launch of Disney’s multiplex of linear TV channels on MultiChoice’s DStv, the debut of Disney+ in 2022, or leading unforgettable upfront presentations showcasing upcoming entertainment, her presence has been a constant source of inspiration.
After joining Disney in 1998, she served as Vice President of Ventures and Business Development at WDI Television in London. In 2003, she courageously relocated to South Africa, working diligently to establish what is now known as Disney Entertainment in Johannesburg while aligning with the already-existing Cape Town DCP (Disney Consumer Products) office to create a cohesive Disney business for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Under Christine’s leadership, Disney expanded its pan-African range of linear TV channels, introducing popular brands like Fox, National Geographic, and ESPN. She played an integral role in launching the first run of The Lion King stage show in South Africa, which remains the most-attended theatrical production in the country’s history.
In 2019, Christine oversaw the Fox TV Networks business integration into Disney Africa, successfully launched Disney+ in 2022, and extended Disney’s geographic footprint across East, West, and Southern Africa. She championed local programming efforts, including the first-ever long-form National Geographic series for children on the continent (Team Sayari). She produced local language-dubbed versions of beloved shows like Doc McStuffins and The Lion Guard.
Amid her extensive accomplishments, Christine also spearheaded the establishment of a formal CSR initiative in South Africa. This initiative includes the decade-long Disney Healthy Happy Play Program, projected to impact 200,000 children by 2025.
Her achievements in the African film market are noteworthy. She secured a remarkable portfolio at the box office that features four of the top five films of all time in Southern Africa and significant rankings in East and West Africa.
With a dedicated team of 60 employees from Johannesburg and Cape Town, Disney in South Africa continues distributing six linear TV channels across the continent through key affiliate broadcasters, reaching millions of viewers daily.
Christine Service’s exceptional work ethic, engagement, and comprehensive industry knowledge have distinguished her significantly in the entertainment sector. South Africa’s television and film industry will undoubtedly feel her absence, as her contributions have reshaped the landscape in ways that will be felt for years.
