Niermann spent 15 years with the Walt Disney Company, growing from a Disneyland theme park management intern in 1988 to the president and managing director of the Walt Disney Company Asia-Pacific in 2000. While head of Disney Asia-Pacific, he was responsible for regional business development and operations for the company, Disney's branded television business, its new mobile business, live entertainment, radio and the corporate functions within the region. He created business integration across all Disney business units, including movies, television, products, attractions, interactive, publishing and music.