Disney names former 6ABC GM president of operations for Europe, Middle East, and Africa

A former WPVI-TV (6ABC) higher-up will soon be in charge of Walt Disney's overseas operations, the company announced today.

Veteran exec Rebecca Campbell will take over operations for Disney's Europe, Middle East, and Africa organization (EMEA) starting in January, replacing Diego Learner as EMEA chief. Learner had held the position since 2009, but will move back to his native Argentina for an as-yet-unidentified role with Walt Disney International.

Campbell, who has served as president of the ABC Television Stations Group and ABC Daytime since 2007, will be going similarly international with her new position next year. According to Variety, she will be based out of London.

Philadelphians, however, will likely remember Campbell as 6ABC's former president and GM. The Bloomsburg grad holding that position from 2003 to 2007. Campbell initially joined the station in 1997 as a program director, and later moved on to become vice president of programming before being named president.

Following her run at 6ABC, Campbell moved on to become president and general manager of WABC-TV in New York (Channel 7), ABC Television Stations Group's flagship station. In addition to managing the channel itself, Campbell was also in charge of the station's website, as well as Live with Regis and Kelly, which now is known as Live with Kelly and Ryan.

"Rebecca's ability to manage and lead the many disparate and geographically diverse stations across the U.S. with such incredible success makes her the best choice to lead our efforts in such a complex region," Walt Disney International chairman Andy Bird said of Campbell's promotion. "Given Rebecca's leadership role in the ever-changing media and entertainment landscape, she is uniquely positioned for success."