Zach Riddley was the face of the EPCOT Overhaul project. With the project wrapping up this year to mixed results among Disney’s most hardcore fans, Riddley has announced that he has been promoted to the Global Creative Strategy Executive position within Walt Disney Imagineering.

Riddley was promoted to oversee the EPCOT transformation in 2017, and he was the “single accountable WDI leader for the EPCOT project, including master planning, story and concept, detailed design, and delivery/construction elements”. Riddley led a team of more than 500 members and 1,000 combined partners to execute the transformation.

While there were some excellent additions to the park during the transformation, other elements were cut from the final project such as a Spaceship Earth overhaul, an ambitious multi-story Festival Center, a transformation of the Wonders of Life pavilion into the family-friendly PLAY! Pavilion, an all-new Mary Poppins attraction in the United Kingdom Pavilion, and updated Wondrous China film, among other changes.

That said, the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster is probably the single-greatest roller coaster at Walt Disney World, and while Harmonious ended prematurely, we were fans of the show (although not fans of the daytime look).

Before Riddley’s latest promotion, he was the Portfolio Executive for New Experience Development where he “led a multi-disciplinary team focused on exploring, developing and bringing to market groundbreaking Disney experiences”. His focus in that role was on “the intersection of strategy, design, and development – ensuring Disney quality storytelling and physical experiences play a vital role in consumer’s hearts and memories across the globe”.

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!