The Walt Disney Company has announced a series of senior leadership appointments across its Disney Experiences division.
Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum revealed the appointments on Monday, naming Joe Schott as President of Walt Disney World, Natacha Rafalski as President of Disney Signature Experiences, and Christophe Murphy as President of Disneyland Paris.
Joe Schott Named President of Walt Disney World
Joe Schott will take over as President of Walt Disney World, succeeding Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after a 36-year career with Disney.
Schott brings more than four decades of leadership experience across Disney destinations in Asia, Europe, and beyond. Most recently, he served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the launches of the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure cruise ships.
Prior to that role, Schott led Shanghai Disney Resort through a major expansion period that included the opening of the Zootopia-themed land. During his tenure, the resort surpassed 100 million guests in less than 10 years.
Schott also previously served as chief operating officer of Disneyland Paris for five years and executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan, helping support the continued growth of Tokyo Disney Resort. His new appointment marks a return to Walt Disney World, where he began his Disney career as a Jungle Cruise skipper.
Natacha Rafalski to Lead Disney Signature Experiences
Natacha Rafalski, a 30-year Disney veteran, has been appointed President of Disney Signature Experiences, a division that includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak.
In her new role, Rafalski will oversee Disney Cruise Line’s continued fleet expansion. The cruise line currently operates eight ships and plans to grow to 13 vessels by 2031.
Rafalski has served as President of Disneyland Paris since 2018. During her leadership, Disneyland Paris launched a €2 billion transformation project that included the addition of Marvel Avengers Campus and the recently opened World of Frozen.
Before leading Disneyland Paris, Rafalski played a key role in the development of Shanghai Disney Resort and served as Chief Financial Officer of The Walt Disney Company Greater China from 2013 to 2017.
Christophe Murphy Promoted to President of Disneyland Paris
Christophe Murphy has been promoted to President of Disneyland Paris as the resort continues major expansion efforts.
Murphy has spent more than 35 years with Disney and originally joined Disneyland Paris during its pre-opening phase in 1991. Over the years, he has held leadership positions across operations, entertainment, merchandise, hotels, food and beverage, and franchise integration.
In 2021, Murphy became vice president of Operations for Walt Disney Attractions Japan, where he worked alongside Oriental Land Company on guest experience and expansion initiatives at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Murphy returned to Disneyland Paris in 2023 as senior vice president of Operations, overseeing operational strategy and the rollout of the resort’s newest expansions, including Disney Adventure World and World of Frozen.
All three executives will officially assume their new roles by the end of July.
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