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News Magic Kingdom Vice President Dan Cockerell to retire
- Thread starter wdwmagic
- Start date
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
Retiring at 49 sounds like quitting.
Rteetz
Well-Known Member
Or maybe being pushed out?
Didn't his dad Lee do a very similar thing? Got out of the VP role somewhat young and started his own consulting firm. Looks like Dan may be doing the same.
I really didnt think Phil Holmes would be around at the parks for longer than Dan.
I really didnt think Phil Holmes would be around at the parks for longer than Dan.
Not pushed out but realization that he was capped out. He had high potential for a while but now wasn’t going anywhere. He also has teenage kids which makes it hard to move anywhere for a promotion or new assignment.
I agree. "Retiring" at age 49 is just the PR spin put on "he's quitting to run his own speaking and consulting company".
Was he considered an asset to the parks, or just another executive who never worked in the parks and started in management?
If this is true, then I say good for him.
TP2000
Well-Known Member
Exactly. Not sure why Disney PR continues to claim people "retire" decades before their Social Security kicks in. It just makes all involved seem dishonest.
Rteetz
Well-Known Member
Yep, Lee does speaking and traveling and has his own podcast right now.
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
If they want to be nice, say he’s “leaving the company” or “departing the company.”
fngoofy
Well-Known Member
When I worked as a CM at Disney Quest we had Lee's philosophy recordings in the educational library to check out. If he did do the same thing, he sure presented himself as a long-timer. He talked about early days in MK and such.
I always liked what he had to say, big on time management and simplifying your life with the right choices.
PizzaPlanet
Well-Known Member
Didn't know he existed.
hopemax
Well-Known Member
Interesting.
When he was in charge of Frontierland, he would sometimes join my Mom and her friends at lunch to ask how things were. I got the impression he "knew how to play the game." To leave while so young, seems to imply either it wasn't of his choosing, or he saw the writing on the wall.
When he was in charge of Frontierland, he would sometimes join my Mom and her friends at lunch to ask how things were. I got the impression he "knew how to play the game." To leave while so young, seems to imply either it wasn't of his choosing, or he saw the writing on the wall.
Disone
Well-Known Member
This news saddens me. Dan truly was one of the great leaders within the company. Dan is in very good standing so I know he isn't being rubbed out. Speculation is that he is joining his father's consulting firm.
That said, I did not see this coming. I really thought one day Dan was going to be president of the WDW resort. Good Luck Dan in all that you do next.
That said, I did not see this coming. I really thought one day Dan was going to be president of the WDW resort. Good Luck Dan in all that you do next.
PuertoRekinSam
Well-Known Member
Dan started in 1882 (long before his father worked for the company) on the college program. He went to Paris (looking for answers?) for a while (following an ICP who later became his wife) before returning state side and working up the ranks.
He was a great guy to know back in the early 2000s; I assume he still is.
LiveInOrlando
Member
I'm sure he has been compensated well throughout his career, why can't he be retiring? My parents both retired at 51.
PizzaPlanet
Well-Known Member
I'd say this is a well deserved retirement.
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
He’s older than Dumbledore! Plastic surgery?