A chain reaction was set off today in the Mouse House. As Disney Direct-to-Consumer Chairman Kevin Mayer departed the company to become the CEO of TikTok. This move made the company promote Disneyland Resort President Rebecca Campbell to Chairman of Disney Direct-to-Consumer. Former Walt Disney World Resort President Josh D’Amaro was promoted to Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. That position was left vacate due to Bob Chapek becoming CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Now today we know who the new president of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will be. Jeff Vahle will succeed Josh D’Amaro as President, Walt Disney World Resort. A 30-year cast member who most recently served as President, Disney Signature Experiences.
“With Walt Disney World approaching its 50th anniversary, there could not be a more gratifying time to be selected for this role and to work with the incredible team responsible for creating magical memories for millions of guests each year,” said Mr. Vahle. “I plan to continue to build on the momentum from Josh’s tenure, bringing even more innovative entertainment and experiences to our guests.”
Vahle’s previous job at Disney Signature Experiences is where he oversaw Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Golden Oak, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.
Vahle will now be responsible for all facets of business for the resort, including its four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Hollywood Studios) two water parks, 28 resort hotels, four golf courses, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and the Disney Springs entertainment-shopping-dining complex.
The new president of Disneyland Resort is Ken Potrock. Ken Potrock has been a cast member at Disney for 25 years. Potrock began his Disney career in 1996 as Vice President, Marketing for Disney Cruise Line. He then went on to be the Senior Vice President of Disney Sports Enterprises, where he oversaw the rebranding of the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. Potrock oversaw the expansion and reimagining of Disney Springs, Walt Disney World’s iconic retail, dining and entertainment district. Potrock then became the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Club before taking the gig as President, Consumer Products. Now he is in charge of Disneyland Resort which boasts two theme parks, three resort hotels, and an entertainment district.
Those weren’t the only shakeups done today at Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.
Kareem Daniel, formerly President, Walt Disney Imagineering Business Operations, Product Creation, Publishing, and Games, will take on the role of President, Consumer Products, Games, and Publishing. Daniel will lead the division to extend the Disney brand at home through products, publishing, and games.
Thomas Mazloum was previously the Senior Vice President of Resort and Transportation Operations at Walt Disney World Resort. Mazloum now replaces Jeff Vahle as President, Disney Signature Experiences. Mazloum will now oversee Disney Signature Experiences, which includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and Adventures by Disney.
So, a lot of things just happened at the Walt Disney Company today but specifically DPEP (Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products). Here is just a quick recap of what went down in this division today.
Josh D’Amaro Named Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
