The company behind the adorable cartoon movies we grew up with and one of the biggest theme parks in the world has appointed a new chief marketing officer, Gavin Ashcroft, for Australia and New Zealand.

As CMO, Ashcroft will focus on integrated marketing and franchise planning, media strategy, partnerships and social media.  He joins Disney from Carat, where he served as chief strategy officer for the company in Australia and New Zealand.  Previously, he was general manager and group business director of Carat Melbourne.  In addition, Ashcroft spent six years working with Carat in the UK.  He will join the company effective August 3 and will be based in Melbourne.

“Disney’s marketing business is at the core of everything we do: it helps nurture and grow the powerful connection between our stories and franchises and our consumers,” said Catherine Powell, managing director, The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand.  “I am thrilled to have Gavin lead our marketing team as we look to drive integrated partnerships and create leading engagement experiences with fans across multiple platforms.”