Leadership
DPEP leaders lend their experience and expertise across a variety of industries to bring Disney stories and characters to life through innovative, exciting vacation experiences and engaging physical and digital products.
Josh D’Amaro
Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Josh D’Amaro
Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
As Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D’Amaro oversees the global hub where Disney stories, characters and franchises come to life.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products consists of Disney’s iconic travel and leisure businesses, which include six theme park-resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business; and Disney’s global consumer products operations, which includes the world’s leading licensing business across toys, apparel, home goods, digital games and apps; the world’s largest children’s print publisher; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.
In his previous role as President of Walt Disney World Resort, Josh was responsible for leading all facets of business for the resort’s four theme parks, two water parks, 28 resort hotels, four golf courses, two full-service spas, an extensive multi-modal transportation system, Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and the Disney Springs entertainment-shopping-dining complex. He led a cast of more than 75,000—America’s largest single-site workforce—and oversaw the beginning of the destination’s most significant expansion in the last two decades, including the opening of the Disney Skyliner aerial transportation system, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Disney’s Riviera Resort. He also began the development of plans for the 50thanniversary of Walt Disney World in 2021, which will include new entertainment experiences for the Epcot theme park and new attractions across the resort.
Before being named President of Walt Disney World in 2019, Josh was President of the Disneyland Resort, where he opened the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land, and helped initiate development of an upcoming Marvel-themed land.
Josh began his Disney career in 1998 at the Disneyland Resort and held a number of leadership positions across the company. He served as Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy for Walt Disney World Resort and also led the sites’ Resorts & Transportation Operations. Josh also served as Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park as it underwent the largest expansion in its history. His other roles included Adventures by Disney; Sales and Travel Operations at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort; Finance for the Global Licensing division of Disney Consumer Products; and Business Planning and Strategy Development for the Disneyland Resort.
Josh earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgetown University.
Follow Josh on Instagram at @joshdamaro.
Lisa Becket
Senior Vice President, Global Marketing
Lisa Becket
Senior Vice President, Global Marketing
Lisa Becket leads the Marketing Center of Excellence for Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products which includes the Customer Engagement, Creative, and Franchise Marketing teams, responsible for promoting Disney destinations, experiences, signature vacations, and consumer products.
As part of the Marketing Center of Excellence, the Customer Engagement team leads the media strategy, planning, and buying, CRM, marketing platform development, and performance marketing orchestration for our domestic businesses. The Yellow Shoes Creative team is the is the award-winning global in-house Creative Agency responsible for branding, design, creative content development, broadcast programming, synergy and partnership marketing, and other cross-company initiatives. The Franchise marketing team leads segment-wide strategies to match consumer insights, needs, and franchise affinities with our business needs to grow value and contribution by better connecting us to the consumer.
Lisa started her Disney career in 1998 at Walt Disney World with roles on the Product & Guest Segment Strategy teams before moving into roles of increasing responsibility on the Disney Vacation Club and Walt Disney World hotel businesses, where she served as Vice President, Marketing Strategy. In 2008, she transitioned to the Disneyland Resort site as Vice President, Regional Marketing Strategy for the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.
Lisa returned to the Florida as Vice President, Destination Marketing Strategy, leading the marketing strategy for the domestic U.S., Canada and Latin America markets for both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. In 2012, Lisa was promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales Strategy, Domestic Parks and Resorts. In this role, Lisa oversaw marketing and sales strategy including the go to market approach for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani and Adventures by Disney. Lisa also served as Senior Vice President for the Customer Engagement team prior to taking on her additional global leadership responsibilities in her current role for the Creative and Franchise Marketing teams.
A native of Batavia, Illinois, Lisa holds an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. She also received bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Aerospace Engineering from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, and the University of Illinois, respectively.
Barbara Bouza
President, Walt Disney Imagineering
Barbara Bouza
President, Walt Disney Imagineering
Barbara Bouza is president of Walt Disney Imagineering, where she heads the global creative, design and development teams behind Disney’s theme parks, attractions, resort hotels, cruise ships, and retail, dining and entertainment centers. She also leads a multidisciplinary team tasked with exploring, developing and bringing to market groundbreaking ideas that enhance and expand Disney’s global portfolio of experiences.
Barbara previously served as co-managing director, principal, of Gensler Los Angeles. In this collaborative leadership role, she brought strategic design management to highly innovative clients such as Netflix, Amgen, JPL/NASA, Debbie Allen, and City of Hope. A fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), she was the 2019 AIA Los Angeles president, and also served on the board of the Southern California chapter of the International Interior Design Association.
In the community, Barbara was recognized by The Los Angeles Business Journal as Executive of the Year: Women Making a Difference. This honor recognizes women who lead by example, successfully blending effective business vision with passionate commitment to positively making a difference, both in the business world and in the communities they serve. She has also been named by Real Estate Forum magazine as a Woman of Influence: California.
Barbara is on the board of directors of Imagine LA, a leading not-for-profit dedicated to mobilizing the community to end the cycle of family homelessness and poverty, and is a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects and the Women Presidents’ Organization. Additionally, she works with nonprofit organizations such as Girls Inc. and Dress for Success.
Barbara holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and studied in the Graduate Diploma Program at the Architectural Association in London.
Jill Estorino
President and Managing Director, Disney Parks International
Jill Estorino
President and Managing Director, Disney Parks International
Jill Estorino is President and Managing Director, Disney Parks International. In this role, Jill oversees the operations and development of Disney’s parks and resorts outside of the United States, including Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort with the Oriental Land Company.
Around the world, Jill’s teams mix legendary guest service with storytelling, creativity and innovation to bring magical memories to life for the millions of fans and families visiting Disney parks each year.
Previously, Jill served as the Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Sales for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, overseeing a global team of more than 2,000 professionals responsible for innovatively promoting Disney’s global destinations, products, experiences, and signature vacations.
Throughout her career with The Walt Disney Company, Jill has held a variety of site-based and global leadership roles focused on driving visitation and affinity for Disney’s products and offerings. Her past roles include Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Asia Pacific; Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy; and Senior Vice President of Marketing at both Hong Kong Disneyland and the Disneyland Resort in California.
A widely sought-after speaker and thought leader on brand experience and marketing innovation, Jill is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. She serves as executive champion for several internal and external initiatives focused on elevating women in the workplace.
Jill is a member of the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Executive Committee, as well as the Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Board of Directors. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of National Advertisers.
Tami Garcia
Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Diversity and Inclusion
Tami Garcia
Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Diversity and Inclusion
As Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Diversity and Inclusion, Tami Garcia is responsible for all human resources-related services for approximately 170,000 Disney Parks, Experiences and Products employees worldwide. She oversees employee and labor relations, diversity and inclusion, compliance, recruitment, talent planning, learning and development, organization development, compensation, cast activities and recognition, benefits and workforce planning.
Prior to this role, Tami served as senior vice president of Human Resources where she developed and implemented human resource strategies and programs to align global business needs across the organization. In that role, she also served as the human resources executive for Shanghai Disney Resort.
Tami joined The Walt Disney Company in 1990 as part of the Global Mobility team for Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI). She subsequently held various positions at WDI, including employee relations and human resource generalist. She ultimately oversaw all human resources activities at Imagineering, and in that leadership capacity, helped establish human resources functions for WDI at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland.
Prior to joining the company, she worked at Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company from 1985 to 1990 in a variety of human resources positions including recruitment, relocation and human resources information systems.
Tami holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Woodbury University in Burbank, California. She is a member of the Southern California Hong Kong Association and sits on the board of the Southern California-based Verdugo Workforce Investment Board.
Margaret Giacalone
Chief Counsel
Margaret Giacalone
Chief Counsel
Margaret Giacalone serves as Chief Counsel for the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (DPEP) segment of The Walt Disney Company, which offers world renowned travel and leisure experiences and immersive Disney branded consumer products. In her role, Giacalone oversees all legal matters for the DPEP businesses, including those related to six domestic and international theme parks, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, more than 60 resort hotels worldwide, and other unique adventure and expedition travel experiences around the globe. She also oversees all legal work related to Disney’s Consumer Products, Games and Publishing business, which brings beloved Disney brands and franchises into the daily lives of families through a wide variety of products and games. In addition, Giacalone oversees all legal matters pertaining to the Company’s real estate holdings worldwide.
Previously, Giacalone served as Chief Counsel for Walt Disney World Resort, overseeing all legal matters related to the operation and risk management of its four theme parks, two water parks, resort hotels and other retail, and dining and entertainment venues, including Disney Springs. Prior to that, Giacalone led the litigation team at Walt Disney World, overseeing the management of all lawsuits and claims arising out of the resort as well as Disney Cruise Line.
A passionate advocate for Diversity & Inclusion, Giacalone currently serves as a member of DPEP’s Diversity Council, and previously served as an Executive Champion for Disney’s Women’s Inclusion Network. She has also volunteered as a Pro Bono Juvenile Court Judge with the Teen Court Diversion program in Orange County, Fla., and is a Central Florida YMCA Board Member.
Prior to joining the Company in 1999, Giacalone practiced law with BakerHostetler. She received her law degree with honors from the University of Florida and her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University.
Alannah Hall-Smith
Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
Alannah Hall-Smith
Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
As Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, Alannah Hall-Smith oversees the domestic and international communications strategy across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. In this capacity, she leads a team that develops and implements strategic programs that drive the segment’s business objectives through a variety of channels including corporate communications, public relations, executive engagement, employee communications, community relations, government relations, corporate citizenship and business-to-business communications.
Prior to her role at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Alannah served as Vice President, Corporate Communications, Asia Pacific and Japan, and was responsible for the corporate communications activities related to the company’s business operations and strategic initiatives across that region.
Alannah lived in Hong Kong for nearly 20 years, and joined The Walt Disney Company there in 2005 as Vice President, Corporate Communications. In 2015, she relocated to Shanghai to focus on Disney’s operations in that market.
Prior to joining Disney, Alannah held senior agency roles with Edelman and Fleishman Hillard, and has an extensive communications background working with multinational clients across the Asia Pacific region.
Alannah is native to Australia and has a Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University. Alannah was also a Founding Board Member of Women Media Networks, a not-for-profit organization that provides members with professional support, leadership development and networking opportunities.
George Kalogridis
President, Segment Development and Enrichment
George Kalogridis
President, Segment Development and Enrichment
George A. Kalogridis is President of Segment Development and Enrichment for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
In this new position, George is responsible for the development of strategic and operational business initiatives while developing and scaling best practices at Disney sites worldwide. He will also lead the Disney Institute and National Geographic Live businesses, leverage his nearly 50 years of experience to serve as a strategic advisor to Disney destination operators, and champion segment initiatives in Diversity and Inclusion.
In September of 1971, at age 17, George began his Disney Parks career as a busboy at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, helping to open Walt Disney World. His unique depth of experience will now be put to use in a highly visible second role: helping welcome the world to Orlando as the official Global Ambassador for Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
George previously served for six years as president of Walt Disney World, leading a cast of more than 75,000. He is also a past president of Disneyland Resort.
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 15thanniversary celebration of the resort. He also played an instrumental role in reorganizing operations to help improve both Guest and Cast satisfaction at the Paris site.
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 across the resort.
In earlier leadership roles, 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 shape how millions of Guests book their travel to Walt Disney World. George also served as vice president of the Epcot theme park, where, in addition to overseeing park operations, he led the Millennium Celebration for The Walt Disney Company.
A graduate of the University of Central Florida, George has long been active in the Central Florida community, serving on the boards of a number of area nonprofits.
Kevin Lansberry
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Kevin Lansberry
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Kevin Lansberry is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. In his role, Kevin is responsible for the financial planning and fiscal management of domestic and international theme parks and resorts, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Walt Disney Imagineering, Revenue Management and Analytics, Global Business Development and Consumer Products.
In his 32 years with the company, Kevin has held a wide breadth of roles domestically at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts in Finance, Business Development, Alliances and Operations.
In 2007, Kevin accepted an operational role as Vice President, Downtown Disney in Orlando, Florida. His responsibilities later expanded to incorporate Transportation Operations as well as Sports and Golf Operations. Later, he moved into the position of Vice President, Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In 2010, he was named Senior Vice President, Worldwide Travel Operations, where he led the Worldwide Call Centers and Consumer Direct Sales Operations for all parks and resorts locations. Kevin served as Senior Vice President, Revenue Management and Analytics for the parks and resorts segment, then SVP/CFO Domestic Business in 2013, adding the international businesses in 2015.
Kevin assumed the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in May 2017, which was expanded in March of 2018 to also include Consumer Products.
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Ball State University and a Master of Business Administration from the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College.
Ken Potrock
President, Disneyland Resort
Ken Potrock
President, Disneyland Resort
As president of Disneyland Resort, Ken Potrock is responsible for all facets of the business, including oversight of two theme parks – Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, three resort hotels and the Downtown Disney District.
Ken is a 26-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company and its Parks, Experiences and Products segment. Most recently he served as president of Consumer Products Commercialization, the company’s global effort to bring beloved characters, brands and stories to consumers via merchandise, games and publishing through the Disney store, shopDisney and across licensing and retail partners.
For most of his Disney career, Ken has led high brand affinity businesses where consumer loyalty and insights were instrumental to growth and expansion, including Disney Vacation Club, the company’s innovative and fast-growing vacation ownership program, Disney Cruise Line, Golden Oak, a luxury residential community in Walt Disney World Resort, and Adventures by Disney, the company's award-winning guided group travel business.
In 2015, Ken led the dramatic expansion and reimagining of Disney Springs, Walt Disney World's iconic retail, dining, and entertainment district. Previously, he was senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises, where he led the rebranding of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida. He began his Disney career in 1995 as vice president, Marketing for Disney Cruise Line, where he helped define and launch the company’s bold entry into the cruise industry.
Before relocating to Southern California with his wife and two sons, Ken served as chairman of both the Orlando Economic Partnership and Florida Citrus Sports. He has served on the boards of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, the Heart of Florida United Way and the American Heart Association.
In 2018, Ken was honored as a “Father of the Year” by the American Diabetes Association and received the Dorian
Boyland Community Service Award from the Central Florida Urban League.
Ken earned his undergraduate degree in marketing from Washington University in St. Louis and his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Thomas Mazloum
President, Disney Signature Experiences
Thomas Mazloum
President, Disney Signature Experiences
Thomas Mazloum is President of Disney Signature Experiences, leading several key growth businesses for the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment and inspiring teams around the world to deliver the company’s unparalleled family vacations. Based in Celebration, Florida, he oversees Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Golden Oak and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.
Before being named to his current role in May 2020, Mazloum served as senior vice president of operations at Walt Disney World Resort, overseeing 30 Disney resort hotels as well as premium services, security and transportation operations at the world’s premier vacation destination.
At Disney Cruise Line, Thomas is responsible for the entire award-winning operation, including the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy cruise ships, as well as Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island in the Bahamas) and Disney’s Port Canaveral cruise terminal. He also oversees the much-anticipated expansion of Disney’s cruise fleet, with three new ships on the horizon, all of them showcasing the immersive family entertainment, enchanting storytelling and service for which Disney is well known.
Thomas also leads the team at Disney Vacation Club, the company’s popular vacation-ownership program. The club offers a portfolio of 15 themed resorts, from its newest property, Disney’s Riviera Resort, to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, to properties across Walt Disney World Resort, at Disneyland Resort and in Vero Beach, Florida and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. His other responsibilities include Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions, the company’s guided group travel businesses, as well as Golden Oak, the company’s luxury whole-ownership community of custom homes at Walt Disney World Resort.
Thomas began his Disney career in 1998 as a hotel director for Disney Cruise Line and was instrumental in launching the Disney Wonder, the second ship in the Disney fleet. He later served as general manager of Food & Beverage and Special Events at Epcot. Before returning to Disney in 2017, Thomas served as the chief operating officer of Crystal Cruise Line, leading efforts to define “The Crystal Experience,” a concept that would set the bar for luxury vacations, with a focus on nurturing a positive employee culture.
Born in Austria, Thomas earned his degree in hotel management and administration in Innsbruck. A lifelong learner, he has also received several business certifications from such institutions as Cornell University, the Hotel School of Lausanne and the Hotel School of Salzburg.
Jeff Vahle
President, Walt Disney World Resort
Jeff Vahle
President, Walt Disney World Resort
Jeff Vahle serves as president of Walt Disney World Resort. A 30-year veteran of the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Jeff has been inspiring teams around the world to deliver the company’s unrivaled brand of family vacations. Jeff oversees a workforce of more than 77,000 Cast Members at four theme parks and 30 resort hotels all located at the world’s premier vacation destination.
In addition to his duties at Walt Disney World Resort, Jeff oversees Facilities & Operations Services for Disney theme parks worldwide. These teams are responsible for engineering, maintenance, construction, utilities, manufacturing, sourcing and procurement, safety and health, and asset management programs.
Jeff began his Disney career in 1990 and is a respected senior executive who is committed to driving creativity and innovation, exceeding guest expectations and delivering long-term business growth. While at Disney, he held a series of high-profile leadership roles in operations, engineering, technology and global support services.
Jeff most recently served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, leading several key growth businesses including Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Golden Oak and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.
At Disney Cruise Line, Jeff was responsible for the award-winning business, including four ships, as well as Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island in the Bahamas) and Disney’s Port Canaveral cruise terminal. Jeff also led Disney Vacation Club, the company’s popular vacation-ownership program. His other responsibilities included Adventures by Disney, the company’s guided group travel business, and Golden Oak, the company’s luxury whole-ownership community of custom homes at Walt Disney World Resort.
Jeff is actively involved in the Central Florida community, currently serving as chairman of the board of directors for Give Kids the World and as a member of the Rollins College Board of Trustees. He previously served on the Central Florida Salvation Army board of directors. Jeff earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University and a master’s degree in business administration from Rollins College.
Follow Jeff on Instagram at @jeffvahle.
Stephanie Young
President, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing
Stephanie Young
President, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing
As president of Consumer Products, Games and Publishing (CPGP), Stephanie Young oversees The Walt Disney Company’s global efforts to bring its iconic characters and beloved stories to life through immersive products and experiences enjoyed by millions of fans, families, and Guests each day. Under her leadership, this business is responsible for creating and delivering products across a variety of channels – including Disney store, shopDisney, Disney Parks and our retail and e-commerce partners – as well as managing the world’s largest licensing organization spanning numerous categories. Stephanie also leads the Company’s games and interactive experiences businesses, as well as Disney Publishing Worldwide, one of the world’s largest publishers of children’s books and magazines.
Previously, Stephanie served as President & Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, where she helped deliver both business growth and a strong inclusive culture through every facet of the organization. Before that, Stephanie served as Senior Vice President, Head of Operations for the Disneyland Resort, where she led the integration of all aspects of the guest experience across multiple lines of business, including attractions, entertainment, merchandise, food & beverage and more.
In her three-decade tenure with the Company, Stephanie has focused on enabling world-class guest experiences through operational excellence, while driving commercial strategies that produce strong financial results. She has garnered vast experience in optimizing global supply chains and the development and execution of merchandise-related initiatives, including pricing, inventory management, sourcing, and other strategies to enhance profitability. Throughout her career, Stephanie has also led the technology strategies and operations for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, including spearheading the breakthrough technology, My Disney Experience, as well as leading the financial planning processes for multiple businesses and sites across the segment.
Stephanie first joined Disney as an Auditor and Senior Finance Analyst for the Walt Disney World Resort. Prior to her Disney career, she worked for a major accounting firm as a certified public accountant in Boston.
A strong advocate of giving back to the community, Stephanie has served on numerous non-profit, charitable and industry groups, including the Florida Retail Federation. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting and financial services from Baylor University.
