KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 17): Primeworks Studios' (PWS) former chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar has been appointed The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia's executive director of content and creative for its streaming service Disney+ with immediate effect.

PWS, owned by Media Prima Bhd, is Malaysia's largest content production company.

Last month, Media Prima announced that Izham would be leaving the group on Nov 13 to pursue new challenges.

According to a report by Variety released yesterday, Izham would be based in Singapore and report to Amit Malhotra, the regional lead in emerging markets at The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific.

"Omar will be responsible for developing and producing original programming as well as acquiring content, ensuring end-to-end title launch readiness, the company said. He will also oversee the production of surround content for major sports and general entertainment programs," the report wrote.

Within Southeast Asia, Disney+ has only launched in Indonesia to-date, where it entered into a partnership with leading local player Telkomsel and branded the service Disney+ Hotstar. No date has been given for further regional roll-out, said the report.

"[Izham] joins the team at an important juncture when Disney+ is expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia, and his strategic vision, breadth of experience and outstanding leadership will be key in steering Disney's creative engine and delighting subscribers with the magic of our storytelling," said Malhotra in a statement cited by the report.