Disney+ has officially appointed former Amazon MGM Studios executive Sarah Christie as its new Executive Director of Local Content for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). Set to begin her new role in November, Christie will spearhead the streaming platform’s regional strategy. She will oversee local original content commissioning, acquisitions, and the development of both scripted and unscripted productions across the two markets.
This strategic appointment follows recent announcements by Disney Entertainment Executive Vice President of International Content, Jon Wax, at the Busan International Film Festival. During the event, Wax outlined Disney+’s roadmap to increase investments in local-language programming and establish a dedicated regional leadership role in Australia.
Reporting Structure and Regional Operations
In her new position, Christie will report directly to Jon Wax. She will also collaborate closely with key regional leaders:
- Carol Choi: Executive Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Original Strategy for Asia-Pacific (APAC).
- Kylie Watson-Wheeler: Senior Vice President and Managing Director for ANZ, as well as Head of ESPN, Asia-Pacific.
This leadership alignment underscores Disney+’s commitment to scaling its regional footprint through culturally resonant storytelling, combining global platform reach with local creative partnerships.
Background and Industry Experience
Christie brings extensive experience to Disney+, having spent the past five years at Amazon MGM Studios. Most recently, she served as the Head of Australian and New Zealand Originals, managing local slates through development, production, and post-production. Prior to that role, she worked as a Senior Development Executive for Australia at Amazon Studios.
Her commissioning and creative credits span several high-profile Australian television projects, including:
- The Narrow Road to the Deep North
- Deadloch (Seasons 1 and 2)
- The Office Australia
- The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart
- Class of ’07
- Top End Bub
- Inside the AFL (also known as Final Siren: Inside the AFL)
- The Test (Season 4)
- Madness of Three
- Free Spirits: The Backpacker Poisonings
Before her time at Amazon, Christie served as a development producer at Goalpost Pictures. There, she managed the company’s film and television development slate, contributing to projects like Black Snow, New Gold Mountain, and Upgrade. She began her career as an entertainment lawyer after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
Broader Disney+ ANZ Content Strategy
Christie’s arrival coincides with an active production period for Disney+ across Australia. The streaming service recently began filming in Sydney for the third and final season of the Hulu Original series The Artful Dodger. Additionally, production is underway on a docuseries produced by Maximum Effort, starring co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, which follows the Australian SailGP team, the Bonds Flying Roos.
Industry observers note that Disney+’s expanded local focus relies on pairing regional narratives with recognized intellectual property and Australian creative talent, paving the way for a robust slate of upcoming ANZ originals under Christie’s leadership.
