Disney Experiences Announces Major Senior Leadership Changes Across Global Parks and Resorts. As Disney continues one of the most ambitious periods of expansion in its history, the company has announced several key leadership appointments that will help guide its parks, resorts, and vacation businesses around the world. These changes place three highly experienced executives in important roles overseeing Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Signature Experiences, and Disneyland Paris. With massive new projects underway globally, Disney says these appointments reflect the depth of talent leading the next chapter of Disney Experiences.
Disney Experiences Announces Senior Leadership Changes
Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum has announced a series of senior leadership appointments designed to support what the company describes as an unprecedented era of growth across its global portfolio.
The following executives will assume new roles by the end of July:
- Joe Schott is appointed President of Walt Disney World Resort.
- Natacha Rafalski is appointed President of Disney Signature Experiences.
- Christophe Murphy is promoted to President of Disneyland Paris.
Joe Schott Named President of Walt Disney World Resort
Joe Schott will succeed Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after 36 years with the company.
Schott brings more than 40 years of leadership experience across Disney destinations worldwide. Most recently, he served as President of Disney Signature Experiences, overseeing major milestones for Disney Cruise Line, including the launches of the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure. His previous roles include President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, Chief Operating Officer of Disneyland Paris, and Executive Managing Director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan. Notably, Schott began his Disney career as a Jungle Cruise Skipper at Walt Disney World.
Natacha Rafalski to Lead Disney Signature Experiences
Natacha Rafalski, a 30-year Disney veteran, will now oversee Disney Signature Experiences, which includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak.
Rafalski most recently served as President of Disneyland Paris, where she led a €2 billion transformation that included the opening of World of Frozen and the continued development of Disney Adventure World.
Christophe Murphy Promoted to President of Disneyland Paris
Christophe Murphy, who joined Disney in 1991 during Disneyland Paris’ pre-opening phase, will take over leadership of the European resort.
Murphy has spent more than 35 years with The Walt Disney Company and has held roles across operations, marketing, sales, entertainment, food and beverage, and franchise integration. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Disneyland Paris and helped oversee the launch of World of Frozen and Disney Adventure World in 2026.
A Historic Era of Growth
In announcing the appointments, Thomas Mazloum noted that Disney Experiences is managing more active development projects than at any other time in company history. These leadership changes come as Disney continues to expand its theme parks, grow Disney Cruise Line from eight ships to thirteen by 2031, and introduce major new lands and attractions across the globe.
These appointments highlight Disney’s confidence in a new generation of experienced leaders as the company embarks on one of the most transformative periods in its history. With Joe Schott returning to Walt Disney World, Natacha Rafalski guiding Disney Signature Experiences, and Christophe Murphy taking the helm at Disneyland Paris, fans can look forward to continued innovation and growth across Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide.
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