New President for Disneyland plus other Leadership Changes

Today, Josh D’Amaro, Disney Experiences Chairman, announced several changes within his executive team including a newly created role to oversee major events integration, a new President for Disneyland Resort, a new President for Disney Signature Experiences, and a new President & General Manager for Shanghai Disney Resort. These leadership changes come 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. 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, Disney Experiences Chairman

The following Disney leadership changes are effective immediately:

Ken Potrock

Ken Potrock, former President of the Disneyland Resort and 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 the Disneyland Resort in 2020 as President 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

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

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

Andrew Bolstein has been 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.

Ken Potrock was very well liked at the Disneyland Resort by guests and Cast Members. He has lead the resort into a new era of transformation and helped paved the way for a major expansion of the resort over the coming years. I don’t really know much about Thomas Mazloum but with his experience with Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort should be in good hands.