Several high-ranking executives at Universal Creative to exit company

[DCBaker]

"Several high-ranking executives at Universal Creative — the division responsible for rides, shows and attractions at Universal parks worldwide — are heading for the exit just a few years before the launch of the new theme park Epic Universe, TheWrap has learned exclusively.

Thierry Coup, the charismatic and forthright senior vice president and chief creative officer of Universal Creative who oversaw the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (among other Disney-challenging expansions); Mike Hightower, president of Universal Creative; and Mike Harrington, vice president, engineering and safety at Universal Studios Florida, are among the executives who have quietly opted to take voluntary early retirement packages.

Representatives for Universal declined to comment for this article.

These packages are part of an NBCUniversal-wide initiative offered to employees who are over 57 and/or who have worked at the company for more than 10 years. (One Universal Creative staffer said that pretty much every remaining SVP has left the division.)

Individuals with knowledge of the situation, however, stressed to us, that Universal Creative is known for its strong talent development and succession training and that there are thoughtful transition planes in place."

Full article below.

Universal Theme Park Creative Division Gutted After Exit of High-Ranking Execs (Exclusive)

Universal Creative, the company's version of Walt Disney Imagineering, has seen several executives quietly taking early retirement packages.

www.thewrap.com

 

[The Peanut Gallery]

Don't suppose he wants to come back to WDI?

 

[MisterPenguin]

See how much Uni copies Disney!!

 

[TwilightZone]

I guess things at universal aren't as sunshine and flowers as seen on the surface?

 

[CaptinEO]

Seems like all these big media companies have struggled since the pandemic, especially with their streaming investments. It also appears that themeparks end up taking the hit. It makes sense, a company can't go spending like a high roller when they are in massive debt.

I also think it's important to be realistic when thinking of themepark concept vs completion. Companies will over promise to excite their customers and investors.

 

[JoeCamel]

Seems like all these big media companies have struggled since the pandemic, especially with their streaming investments. It also appears that themeparks end up taking the hit. It makes sense, a company can't go spending like a high roller when they are in massive debt.

I also think it's important to be realistic when thinking of themepark concept vs completion. Companies will over promise to excite their customers and investors.

Except Universal has a history of under promising and over delivering. The exception would be Volcano but for the parks it rings true. This will be an amazing framework to build on and opening will bring wow's to many. The complaints will be plenty but in the end who is spending Billions to expand the Orlando market?? They will make bank but it will take time.