In a surprising bit of news, Catherine Powell, President of the western region of Disney Parks, has left The Walt Disney Company. Powell was in charge of overseeing Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris. Her position has been eliminated, and now the presidents of each of the three resorts will report to Bob Chapek directly.
Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products division, now concentrates his power over Disney’s theme park portfolio with this change. This news comes after disappointing financial numbers at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Disneyland and Walt Disney World will see new Presidents in the coming weeks, with George Kalogridis, the current Walt Disney World President, moving to a new role.
Current Disneyland President Josh D’Amaro will move to Walt Disney World to oversee that resort. Rebecca Campbell, current head of Europe, Middle East and Africa segment of Direct-to-Consumer, will be promoted to President of the Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland Paris will be handed off to Michael Colglazier, current lead for Parks in Asia. Current leadership in Disneyland Paris otherwise remains unchanged, with Colglazier taking on the additional role of Disneyland Paris management. George Kalogridis, current President of Walt Disney World, will be promoted to President of Disney Segment Development and Enrichment.
Was this needed or were these major corporate changes unnecessary?