Disney Experiences Announces Key Leadership Appointments

Rhea-AI Summary

Disney Experiences announced key leadership changes as part of its global expansion plans. Ken Potrock, a 30-year Disney veteran, will become President of Major Events Integration, focusing on maximizing large-scale events including the 2028 LA Olympics. Thomas Mazloum has been appointed President of Disneyland Resort, overseeing 36,000 Cast Members and operations following the DisneylandForward approval.

Joe Schott becomes President of Disney Signature Experiences, managing Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and other leisure experiences. Andrew Bolstein is promoted to President & General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. These appointments support Disney's expansion plans, including doubling its cruise line fleet by 2031 and developing new attractions across global theme parks.

Positive

• Strategic expansion approved through DisneylandForward, enabling 40 years of investment opportunities in Anaheim
• Planned doubling of cruise line fleet size by 2031, expanding to ports in nearly 40 countries
• Successful development of new attractions including Zootopia-themed land in Shanghai and planned Spider-Man attraction

Negative

• None.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro today announced several appointments for members of his executive team including a newly created role to oversee major events integration, and new heads for Disneyland Resort, Disney Signature Experiences and Shanghai Disney Resort. The announcement comes as Disney Experiences has embarked on ambitious expansion plans for its cruise line business and at theme parks around the world.

“We have a deep bench of globally minded business leaders who bring the versatility needed to step into key roles across our diverse portfolio,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “These tenured leaders have extensive technical and operational expertise with strong insight and understanding of the guest experience, and possess qualities that promote innovation, creativity, and results.”

Josh D’Amaro announced the following strategic senior executive changes:

• Ken Potrock, a 30-year Disney veteran will take on the newly created role of President, The Walt Disney Company Major Events Integration. In this role, Potrock will be responsible for developing comprehensive, cross-company plans to maximize the value of large-scale sports, entertainment and tourism events ranging from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics to the 250th Anniversary of the nation. Potrock joined Disneyland Resort in 2020 and led the successful post-pandemic reopening, and recently secured the approval of DisneylandForward, which unlocks opportunities for expansion and investment in Anaheim for the next 40 years. During his tenure, he also oversaw the opening of Avengers Campus, the reimagining of Pixar Place Hotel, the expansion of the Downtown Disney District, and the continued expansion of Disney California Adventure – including the recent announcement of two new attractions coming to Avengers Campus, and new attractions inspired by Avatar and Coco. Potrock will continue to report to D’Amaro, with accountability to Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman ESPN.
• Thomas Mazloum has been appointed the new President of Disneyland Resort. In this role, Mazloum will lead more than 36,000 Cast Members and oversee the operation of two theme parks, three resort hotels, and the Downtown Disney District, and will guide Disneyland Resort through a new era of growth with the recent approval of DisneylandForward. Under Mazloum’s recent leadership of Disney Signature Experiences, Disney Cruise Line secured investments and development plans to double its fleet size by 2031. Prior to his time at Disney Cruise Line, Mazloum held various leadership positions at Walt Disney World, overseeing Operations, Resorts, Transportation, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Club 33, Disney Springs and more. Mazloum will continue to report to D’Amaro.
• Joe Schott has been appointed President of Disney Signature Experiences (DSE), a division of Disney Experiences that offers family travel and leisure experiences beyond theme parks, including Disney Cruise Line (DCL), Disney Vacation Club, Aulani – a Disney Resort & Spa, Adventures by Disney, Storyliving by Disney and more. Schott’s Disney career spans 40 years, and since 2019 he has led Shanghai Disney Resort as President and General Manager. Under his leadership, Shanghai Disneyland expanded to include the successful Zootopia-themed land, new attractions and entertainment, and in development, a third hotel and a new Spider-Man-themed attraction. Prior to his role in Shanghai, Schott led operations at Disneyland Paris and was Executive Managing Director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan at Tokyo Disney Resort. Schott’s vast experience in global markets and his extensive knowledge of our international operations will be pivotal as Disney Cruise Line expands its fleet to new destinations worldwide. Schott will now report directly to D’Amaro.
• Andrew Bolstein is promoted to President & General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. Bolstein was part of the opening leadership team at Shanghai Disney Resort, working hand-in-hand with Imagineers as the park took shape. His 30-year career started at Walt Disney World and included leadership roles in Hong Kong and Tokyo, and nearly 13 years in Shanghai. Bolstein brings deep operational knowledge, passion for the Cast and surrounding community, and strong relationships with key government, business and industry partners. Andrew will report to Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International.

Disney Experiences has an expansive footprint in the global theme park travel and experience business with 12 parks around the world; Disney Cruise Line, which visits ports in nearly 40 countries and will more than double the size of its current fleet by 2031; and, Disney’s industry-leading consumer products division, which brings Disney IP into fans’ homes across the globe and is the largest licensor in the world.

Transition to the new roles will begin immediately.

About Disney Experiences

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s (NYSE: DIS) powerful brands and franchises — including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Studios and National Geographic — into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 65 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 57 resorts in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line with six ships and plans for seven more; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai‘i; 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; the world’s largest children’s publishing brands; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across all platforms; Disney store locations around the world; and the Disney Store e-commerce platform.

These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250123771203/en/

Jason Farkas, Disney Experiences

Jason.Farkas@disney.com

Melissa Britt, Disney Experiences

Melissa.B.Britt@disney.com

Source: The Walt Disney Company

FAQ

What is DisneylandForward and how will it affect DIS stock?

DisneylandForward is a recently approved expansion plan that unlocks opportunities for investment and growth in Anaheim over the next 40 years, potentially increasing Disney's revenue and market presence in the theme park sector.

How many new cruise ships is Disney (DIS) adding to its fleet by 2031?

Disney Cruise Line plans to more than double its current fleet size by 2031, adding seven new ships to its existing fleet of six vessels.

What major events will Disney (DIS) be involved with under Ken Potrock's new role?

As President of Major Events Integration, Ken Potrock will oversee Disney's involvement in events like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the nation's 250th Anniversary celebrations.

What new attractions is Disney (DIS) adding to its theme parks?

Disney has announced two new attractions coming to Avengers Campus, plus new attractions inspired by Avatar and Coco at Disneyland Resort, and a new Spider-Man-themed attraction at Shanghai Disney Resort.