by Donald Wood
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Mon May 18, 2026
Disney unveils leadership shakeup. (Photo Credit: The Walt Disney Company Media)
Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum announced a
series of senior leadership appointments on Monday, including Joe Schott as
President of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Mazloum also revealed that Natacha Rafalski has been named
President of Disney Signature Experiences, while Christophe Murphy was promoted
to President of Disneyland Paris.
As the new President of Disney World, Schott will succeed
Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after a 36-year career with the company. Schott is
among Disney’s most experienced international operators, with more than 40
years of leadership across destinations in Asia, Europe, and beyond.
“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. Joe, Natacha, and
Christophe have a deep appreciation of the guest experience, possess extensive
financial and operational expertise, and a proven ability to deliver at scale.”
As President of Disney Signature Experiences (DSE), Rafalski
will guide the next phase of Disney Cruise Line’s fleet expansion, as well as
lead a division that includes Disney Vacation Club, Aulani – A Disney Resort
& Spa, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving
by Disney, and Golden Oak.
As the new President of Disneyland Paris, Murphy brings more
than 35 years of experience to the role. He joined Disneyland Paris in 1991
during the resort’s pre-opening phase and has risen through the ranks of resort
operations, including theme parks, Disney Village, hotels, entertainment,
merchandise, food and beverage, and franchise integration.
All of the promoted employees assume their new roles by the
end of July.
“I have complete confidence in each of them to build on the
remarkable momentum underway across these businesses and to write the next
chapter of Disney’s story,” Mazloum concluded.
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