George Kalogridis named new president of Walt Disney World Resort

In a surprising announcement, Disney have announced that former Disneyland Resort president, George Kalogridis has been promoted to President of the Walt Disney World Resort. More major staffing shakeups are expected over the next few days.

George was responsible for a major rebranding of Disney's Californian Adventure, and has been with Disney for 41 years. Other notable positions include Vice President of Epcot and COO of Disneyland Paris.

Here's the full press release from Disney:

 

On January 9, 2013, George A. Kalogridis, a 41-year veteran of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, was named president of the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. George will oversee a workforce of more than 66,000 Cast Members at the world’s premier vacation destination. His appointment will be effective Feb. 1, 2013. 

 

Since 2009, George has served as president of the Disneyland Resort, where he leads more than 25,000 Cast Members at the over 500-acre resort, which comprises the world-famous Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Paradise Pier Hotel and Downtown Disney. 

 

George began his career at Walt Disney World in 1971 as a busboy at the Contemporary Resort. During his tenure, George has held numerous executive positions, gaining a breadth of experience from all aspects of the operation. 

 

From 2006 until his appointment to Disneyland Resort, George served as chief operating officer for Disneyland Resort Paris and was responsible for leading the daily operations of the Resort’s two theme parks, seven hotels and the Disney Village. During his tenure in Paris, George oversaw the highly successful 15th anniversary celebration of the resort. He also played an instrumental role in reorganizing the Resort’s operations structure to help improve both Guest and Cast satisfaction. 

 

Prior to his role in Paris, George served as senior vice president of Resort Operations for the Disneyland Resort, where he played a significant role in the first expansion of the resort – the opening of Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney. In addition, he was responsible for the daily operations of both theme parks and three hotels, as well as Downtown Disney. 

 

In addition to his leadership roles in both Paris and Anaheim, George served as vice president of Travel Operations at Walt Disney World in Orlando, where he implemented a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that continues to serve as the foundation for how millions of Guests book their travel to Walt Disney World. George also served as vice president of EPCOT, where, in addition to overseeing park operations, he led the Millennium Celebration for The Walt Disney Company. 

 

George has been active in the community in California, serving on CHOC Children’s Hospital Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of Children’s HealthCare of California, the Out and Equal Board of Directors, California Travel and Tourism Commission, the Cal State University – Chancellor’s Hospitality Industry Advisors Board, the University of California, Irvine Center for Global Leadership and UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board. 

 

George graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology. 

 

 

George’s Disney Tenure – At a Glance 

 

Walt Disney World Resort 

President, February 1, 2013 to present 

Vice President, EPCOT, 1995 – 2000 

Vice President, Human Resources, 1993 – 1995 

General Manager, Grand Floridian Beach Resort, 1989 – 1993 

Various Leadership Roles, 1975 – 1989 

Hourly Cast Member, 1971 – 1975 

 

Disneyland Resort 

President, 2009 – January 31, 2013 

Senior Vice President, Operations, 2000 – 2002 

 

Disneyland Resort Paris 

Chief Operating Officer, 2006 – 2009 

 

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts 

Vice President, Travel Operations, 2002 – 2006