Earlier today, Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, today announced that Josh D’Amaro has been named Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Officially making him Chapek’s successor.
Just a few months ago, Walt Disney World welcomed D’Amaro as its new President. He was quick to be a strong advocate for Cast Members and proved to be extremely likable among them and Disney’s guests.
As President of Walt Disney World Resort, D’Amaro led a cast of more than 75,000—America’s largest single-site workforce—and was responsible for all facets of business for the resort, including its four theme parks, two water parks, 28 resort hotels, four golf courses, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and the Disney Springs entertainment-shopping-dining complex.
Before coming to Walt Disney World, D’Amaro was president of the Disneyland Resort, where he opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park and helped initiate the development of the upcoming Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure.
In his new role, Mr. D’Amaro will oversee Disney’s iconic travel and leisure businesses, which include six theme park-resort destinations in the United States, Europe, and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business across toys, apparel, home goods, digital games and apps; the world’s largest children’s print publisher; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.
In a statement, Chapek said, “Josh is an exceptionally talented, enthusiastic, and innovative leader, consistently delivering strong results while demonstrating his unwavering commitment and care for our cast members and a genuine appreciation for the importance of the Disney Difference to our guests. I am certain he will take Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products segment – home to some of our company’s most iconic and beloved businesses – to exciting new heights in the years to come.”
Regarding his new role, Josh D’Amaro said, “I want to thank Bob for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to following his record of driving innovation, value and growth as we deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests. It is an incredible honor to lead our team of talented and dedicated cast members around the globe, who go above-and-beyond every single day. Even during this challenging time, their enthusiasm for what we do is unwavering, and my goal is to bring our cast members back to work as soon as possible so they can continue to create that magic.”
With this promotion, a new successor was named for D’Amaro as President of Walt Disney World. Jeff Vahle, formerly President, Disney Signature Experiences, assumes the role of President, Walt Disney World Resort.
Among the other announcements made this morning, Ken Potrock, who had served as President, Consumer Products, becomes President, Disneyland Resort. Kareem Daniel, formerly President, Walt Disney Imagineering Operations/Product Creation/Publishing/Games, has been named President, Consumer Products, Games, and Publishing. Thomas Mazloum, who was Senior Vice President of Resort and Transportation Operations at Walt Disney World Resort, becomes President, Disney Signature Experiences
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