Disney Experiences has announced a series of senior leadership changes, including the appointment of Joe Schott as president of Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida.
Schott will succeed Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after 36 years with The Walt Disney Company. Schott returns to Walt Disney World after beginning his Disney career as a Jungle Cruise skipper and later holding senior leadership roles at Disney destinations in Asia and Europe.
Thomas Mazloum, chairman of Disney Experiences, said the appointments come as the company is in the middle of a major period of expansion across its global portfolio.
“Disney Experiences is in the midst of unprecedented expansion with more new projects underway across our global portfolio than at any other moment in our history,” Mazloum said. “These appointments reflect the depth of leadership talent driving Disney Experiences.”
Walt Disney World Resort remains one of Florida’s largest tourism and employment engines. Disney said the resort is the world’s most frequently visited vacation resort and the largest single-site employer in the United States, with about 80,000 cast members. The resort includes four theme parks, two water parks, more than 30 hotels, Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The leadership change comes as Walt Disney World is undergoing major investment, including what Disney describes as the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. New lands are also in development at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Schott most recently served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the launches of two new cruise ships, the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure. He previously served as president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, leading the resort through a major expansion period that included the opening of a Zootopia-themed land.
Disney also announced that Natacha Rafalski has been appointed president of Disney Signature Experiences. Rafalski, a 30-year Disney veteran, previously served as president of Disneyland Paris. In her new role, she will oversee Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney and Golden Oak.
Disney said Rafalski will guide Disney Cruise Line through a major fleet expansion, growing from eight ships today to 13 vessels by 2031.
Christophe Murphy has been promoted to president of Disneyland Paris. Murphy has worked for Disney for more than 35 years and originally joined Disneyland Paris during its pre-opening phase in 1991. He most recently served as senior vice president of operations at the resort.
Disneyland Paris is also undergoing expansion, including a new Lion King-themed land and the transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World.
