Disney has officially announced who will lead Walt Disney World next.
Following news that current Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle will retire later this summer, Disney has now confirmed that longtime Disney Experiences executive Joe Schott will become the new president of Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney announced the leadership transition as part of a broader executive update within Disney Experiences.
Schott currently serves as president of Disneyland Resort Paris and has spent decades with Disney in a variety of leadership positions across both domestic and international park operations.
According to Disney, Schott will officially assume the role after Jeff Vahle retires in late July.
Vahle has served as president of Walt Disney World Resort since May 2020, overseeing the resort through some of the most transformative and challenging years in company history, including the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, the 50th anniversary celebration, the launch of TRON Lightcycle / Run, major EPCOT expansion projects, and the continued growth of Disney Vacation Club offerings across the property.
Before leading Disneyland Paris, Schott held multiple executive roles at Walt Disney World, including leadership positions in Disney Springs, resort operations, transportation, and park operations.
Newly appointed Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro praised Schott in the announcement, highlighting his operational leadership experience and long history with Disney Parks around the world.
The leadership change arrives during a major period of expansion and transformation for Walt Disney World, with large-scale projects currently underway, including:
- Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- The Monsters, Inc. land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Magic Kingdom expansion plans beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- New Disney Cruise Line growth
- Continued EPCOT transformation projects
With so many massive projects currently in development across the resort, Disney World’s next president will be stepping into one of the biggest leadership periods the resort has seen in years.
We’ll continue following updates surrounding Walt Disney World leadership changes, ongoing expansion projects, and Disney Experiences announcements, so be sure to check back soon for more Disney Parks news and updates.
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