Joe Schott Named New Walt Disney World President as Jeff Vahle Retirement Triggers Leadership Shuffle
Joe Schott Named New Walt Disney World President as Jeff Vahle Retirement Triggers Leadership Shuffle
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News Joe Schott Named New Walt Disney World President as Jeff Vahle Retirement Triggers Leadership Shuffle
- Thread starter wdwmagic
- Start date
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Mr. Sullivan
Well-Known Member
I don’t know a whole lot about Jeff, honestly. He certainly has quite a tenure with the company. 40 years with the company starting all the way back as a regular CM is impressive. In terms of sheer number of years, is he the current longest tenured person currently holding a leadership position?
I’m not overly familiar with the Signature Experiences side of things. Has it been run well under him?
I’m not overly familiar with the Signature Experiences side of things. Has it been run well under him?
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ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
I actually think Joe is a good pick.
Stripes
Premium Member
All I’ve ever read about Joe Schott has been effusive praise. Very excited and definitely sounds like an upgrade over Vahle.
Schott is among Disney’s most experienced international operators, with more than 40 years of leadership across world renowned destinations in Asia, Europe, and beyond. Most recently, he served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the launches of two new ships, the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure. Before that, as president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, Schott led the resort through a major expansion phase, including the opening of the Zootopia-themed land – contributing to the resort surpassing 100 million guests in under a decade. The resort continues to grow with a new Spider-Man attraction and two additional hotels currently in development. Prior to Shanghai, Schott served as chief operating officer of Disneyland Paris for five years and earlier as executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan, supporting the growth of Tokyo Disney Resort. It is a fitting return to the resort where Schott began his Disney journey as a Jungle Cruise Skipper.
Schott is among Disney’s most experienced international operators, with more than 40 years of leadership across world renowned destinations in Asia, Europe, and beyond. Most recently, he served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the launches of two new ships, the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure. Before that, as president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, Schott led the resort through a major expansion phase, including the opening of the Zootopia-themed land – contributing to the resort surpassing 100 million guests in under a decade. The resort continues to grow with a new Spider-Man attraction and two additional hotels currently in development. Prior to Shanghai, Schott served as chief operating officer of Disneyland Paris for five years and earlier as executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan, supporting the growth of Tokyo Disney Resort. It is a fitting return to the resort where Schott began his Disney journey as a Jungle Cruise Skipper.
Mr. Sullivan
Well-Known Member
Oh so he’s been all over the place in those 40 years. Interesting.
Brian
Well-Known Member
He's a good guy with an all-around good understanding and appreciation for the operations side of things which informs his decision-making, despite being several decades removed from an operational role.
hopemax
Well-Known Member
I am intrigued (slightly). One of the things this board has talked about is the WDW price point and income levels Disney wishes to sell to, and the quality of the product and service at WDW are not in sync. Poor Ops hurts the bottom line when pursuing a wealthier clientele. Hopefully, he will find a better balance so it's a win-win for guests & profit statements.
nickys
Premium Member
I don’t want one either. Pleeeeeeease can I stay?
Does the position have any influence over corporate dictates from Burbank?
Pricing? Strategic Direction? Attraction and overall Resort Development? All would seemingly have Burbank dictate this.
Other than maintaining the resort, handling operations, and keeping expenses down, isn't most of the important stuff handled at higher levels?
Pricing? Strategic Direction? Attraction and overall Resort Development? All would seemingly have Burbank dictate this.
Other than maintaining the resort, handling operations, and keeping expenses down, isn't most of the important stuff handled at higher levels?
James Alucobond
Well-Known Member
Are maintenance and ops not supremely important, at least at the guest level?
Mr. Sullivan
Well-Known Member
While the final decision comes from a higher level, we have seen through Jeff’s tenure that resort leaders get to make their voice heard in that conversation and that can help move the needle. I don’t know what sort of voice Joe has since I don’t really know him at all, but there’s every chance in the world he could use his position and his tenure to push for things or push back on things. Vhale showed us it isn’t a completely powerless position.
Disgruntled Walt
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- No
Well, let's give him a schott.
Stop Joeking around.
asianway
Well-Known Member
You been on a Disney cruise lately?
WaltsTreasureChest
Well-Known Member
He will fix the yeti