New Presidents Announced for Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort

    According to CNBC, new leaders have been named for Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. Beginning in November, Josh D’Amaro will oversee Walt Disney World, and Rebecca Campbell will oversee Disneyland Resort. D’Amaro was most recently the President of Disneyland Resort and Campbell was the President of Europe, Middle East and Africa for the company’s direct-to-consumer and international segment. This news comes on the heels of a corporate restructuring that we first wrote about earlier this month.

    In addition to the newly named leaders, Bob Chapek addressed the news of Catherine Powell’s departure from the company. Powell’s sudden departure had many speculating that she was leaving the company after lackluster attendance at Disney’s new Star Wars-themed lands at Disneyland and Disney World. Chapek called the reports “erroneous.”

    Powell’s position had initially been added just under two years ago when Disney began gearing up for the upcoming integration of its acquisition of Fox and its integration of consumer products — publishing, gaming and merchandise — into its park segment.

    In an exclusive interview with CNBC, Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney parks, experiences and products, said the integration went so well that “what could have been a five-year mission turned out to be an 18-month mission.”

    Chapek said Powell’s departure was a mutual decision, as the role had become extraneous. Powell is a 15-year veteran of Disney and is highly thought of within the company, he said.

    Powell’s position at Disney included overseeing Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris. This allowed Chapek to focus on Fox and the consumer products integration, but still have eyes on parks. Powell’s position has been split up, which Chapek said is how the parks segment was run previously.

    The Disneyland Paris duties will be handed off to Michael Colglazier, who leads Disney parks and resorts in Asia. Colglazier has been with Disney for more than 30 years.

    In addition, Disney has promoted George Kalogridis, who has led Walt Disney World Resort since 2013, to the role of president of Disney segment development and enrichment. He will also lead the Disney Institute. Kalogridis started his career at Disney as an original cast member from Walt Disney World’s opening in 1971. He has been with the company for nearly 50 years.

    Kalogridis will use his operational knowledge from nearly five decades at Disney to put together a set of best practices for site leads that have less experience.

    “George really wants to make sure he’s doing everything he can for the segment,” Chapek said, noting that he is a valuable asset to the company’s growth.

    BlogMickey.com Newsletter

    Stay up-to-date with the latest Disney news, right to your inbox!

    Kingdom Destinations Quote

    Vacation Planning Assistance

    We're excited to partner with Kingdom Destinations to help you plan your next trip to Disney parks and experiences around the world. Kingdom Destinations is a full service travel agency, specializing in Disney destinations. Fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation with one of their professional travel advisors today!

    2 COMMENTS

    1. How does Mary Niven keep being past over for some President title. Disney needs women Presidents. Ms. Campbell just left the company. How’s done more for Disney?

    Comments are closed.

    BlogMickey.com Newsletter

    Stay up-to-date with the latest Disney news, right to your inbox!

    Related Articles