Disney Executive Is Retiring After 50+ Years With the Company

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

Big news to share as a top Disney executive with The Walt Disney Company has announced his retirement after 50 plus years with the company.

George Kalogridis started his work with Disney as a busser in 1971 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. His career launched into leadership roles including Presidencies at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, to now the President of Disney Segment Development and Enrichment for Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.

New was released on May 19, 2022, when George Kalogridis announced his retirement from the company after his many years as a loyal Cast Member.

Reporter @ScottGustin took to social media to share,

In response to Kalogridis’ announcement, Disney released the statement: “Throughout his storied fifty-year career, George has been committed to developing our Cast Members and delivering unparalleled service to Guests across the world and has helped influence generations of Cast Members in how to deliver Disney’s special brand of magic.”

Kalogridis is known for his involvement in many beloved Disney Park experiences we all know and love today including the creation of Disney Pin Trading, “Frozen Summer Fun” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the opening of Pandora—The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

george-kalogridis-window-magic-kingdom

On September 12, 2021, Disney celebrated Kalogridis with a special window on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park as shown in the video below:

Thank you for all of your contributions George!

Global Ambassador Appointed for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

As Mickey and Minnie get a fabulous makeover and the park icons are fashioned with themed overlays, it’s going to be a party like no other! Now, in preparation for the celebration, Disney has named its new Global Ambassador

Disney shared that George A. Kalogridis will be the official Global Ambassador for Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary Celebration! Currently, Kalogridis also serves as the President of Segment Development and Enrichment for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. He’s been with the company for nearly 50 years now.

In this new role, Kalogridis will help develop “strategic and operational business initiatives while developing and scaling best practices at Disney sites worldwide.” Additionally, he will lead the Disney Institute and National Geographic Live businesses.

Further responsibilities include serving as a strategic advisor to Disney destination operators and helping to further Disney’s principles of Diversity and Inclusion.

In the past, Kalogridis has served as president of Walt Disney World, president of Disneyland Resort, and chief operating officer for Disneyland Resort Paris, among many other roles.