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.
Bob Chapek
Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Bob Chapek
Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
As Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Bob Chapek oversees the global hub where Disney stories, characters and franchises come to life. He assumed leadership of this new segment when it was created in March 2018.
The Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment includes Disney’s iconic travel and leisure businesses, encompassing six 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. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business across toys, apparel, home goods, digital games and apps, the world’s largest children’s publisher, Disney store locations around the world, and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.
Throughout more than 25 years of leadership with the company, Bob’s tenure has been marked by growth and transformation. He has championed using the latest technology to drive growth and improve the guest and consumer experience, developed groundbreaking business models and identified new revenue streams to achieve business objectives and sustain long-term growth for the business.
Bob was named Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in 2015. During that time, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts saw the largest investment and expansion in its sixty-year history. This includes the successful opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, which exceeded expectations; nearly doubling the Disney Cruise Line fleet; announced immersive lands inspired by Star Wars coming to the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort; the growth of Marvel-inspired attractions across the globe; and one of the most ambitious development projects at Disneyland Paris since the park first opened.
His guest-centric approach focuses on ensuring that every aspect of an experience is uniquely Disney and exceeds guest expectations. At Parks and Resorts, Bob has implemented innovative strategies to improve the guest experience by balancing demand at the parks, integrating new franchises at locations around the world, and introducing beloved and iconic experiences to new generations of Disney fans. His prior leadership of Disney Consumer Products (DCP) was a period of transformation in the worlds of play, storytelling, and learning.
Bob also served as President of Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios, where he managed the company's film content distribution strategy across multiple platforms, and President of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment where he led the organization to record-setting performances and played a key role in the commercialization of the studio's film business.
Prior to joining the company, he worked in brand management at H.J. Heinz Company, and in advertising at J. Walter Thompson. Bob has a degree in microbiology from Indiana University Bloomington, and received his MBA from Michigan State University.
Michael Colglazier
President, Disney Parks Eastern Region and Managing Director, Asia Pacific
Michael Colglazier
President, Disney Parks Eastern Region and Managing Director, Asia Pacific
Michael Colglazier is President, Disney Parks Eastern Region and Managing Director, Asia Pacific. In this role, Michael is responsible for overseeing the operations and development of the parks and resorts throughout Asia, including Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort with the Oriental Land Company and Shanghai Disney Resort.
Previously, Michael was President of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California where he led a workforce of nearly 30,000 cast members. Under his leadership, the resort experienced record business performance and growth, driven by the execution of a successful 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, introduction of the Marvel franchise and enhancement of the overall guest experience. He also led efforts for a $2 billion expansion that includes a 14-acre themed land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Michael started his career at The Walt Disney Company in the corporate strategy group and has served in a variety of executive roles since then, including the leadership of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in Florida, where he oversaw day-to-day operations and was instrumental in the planning and development stages of Pandora – The World of Avatar.
Prior to his role with Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Michael served as a Vice President on the Global Development team for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, responsible for identifying new global growth and business opportunities for that segment. From 2003 to 2007, Michael was Vice President of Disney Photo Imaging, where he spearheaded the invention and growth of Disney PhotoPass service, creating an industry-changing, digital business model that creates value from the millions of photos captured each year in Disney parks.
Born and raised in Indiana, Michael graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He received his master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.
Michael is active in his community, and currently serves as chair of the Chief Executive Roundtable at University of California, Irvine and as a director on the board for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. He has also served as a commissioner and executive committee member for the California Travel and Tourism Commission.
Kareem Daniel
Executive Vice President, Global Business Operations, Walt Disney Imagineering
Kareem Daniel
Executive Vice President, Global Business Operations, Walt Disney Imagineering
Kareem Daniel is Executive Vice President of Global Business Operations at Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative engine behind Disney parks and resorts, as well as the company’s consumer products around the world.
Kareem oversees global design and delivery of all parks, attractions, resort hotels, and cruise ships, managing world-class talent to provide immersive guest experiences with operational excellence. He also leads the product development of merchandise including toys, fashion apparel and accessories, home goods, consumables, and health and beauty categories; the creation of video games and interactive products and experiences; and Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines.
Previously, Kareem served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, where he spearheaded key strategic initiatives to drive long-term growth across the division’s retail, licensing, publishing, video games, and digital businesses.
Kareem has also overseen distribution strategy at Walt Disney Studios, helping to maximize the value of studio content by evaluating traditional business models and emerging digital innovations. Prior to that, Kareem was a Director of Corporate Strategy, where he worked on a variety of strategic projects and mergers and acquisitions across The Walt Disney Company.
Kareem first joined Disney as an MBA intern and later became a senior business planner in Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis. After that, he worked in equity research as well as investment banking at Goldman Sachs, where he specialized in technology, media and entertainment, and telecommunications before returning to Disney.
Kareem holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA, both from Stanford University.
Jill Estorino
Executive Vice President, Global Marketing and Sales
Jill Estorino
Executive Vice President, Global Marketing and Sales
As Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Sales for Walt Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Jill leads an organization that manages consumer and client relationships around the world; identifies opportunities for new products, experiences and services; and drives demand for the renowned Disney Destinations vacation portfolio.
Her Global Marketing and Sales team includes Consumer Insight, Measurement and Analytics, Global Creative, Synergy, Media Planning and Buying, Customer Relationship Management, and Franchise Strategy and Planning. Together, Jill and her team is responsible for marketing and selling Disney destinations, products, experiences and signature vacations around the world.
Prior to her current role, Jill served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Asia Pacific for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, leading the teams at Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disney Resort to accomplish revenue goals and to ensure a consistent brand presence in the APAC region. Previously, Jill was Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Under her leadership, the team developed marketing strategies to drive attendance and occupancy for Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Vacation Club.
Jill’s career with the company began with travel trade sales in domestic and international markets for the Walt Disney World Resort. In 1998, she transitioned to Consumer Marketing, where she held roles with increasing responsibility, including Brand Manager for Disney Institute, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During that time, Jill served both as Director, Theme Park Brand Management and Vice President of Marketing Strategy for Walt Disney World Resort. She has also held site-based and global senior leadership roles, serving as Senior Vice President of Marketing for Hong Kong Disneyland and Senior Vice President of Marketing for Disneyland Resort.
Jill is a member of the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Executive Committee, as well as the Hong Kong Disneyland Board of Directors. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Education.
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 more than 160,000 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.
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.
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.
Tilak Mandadi
Executive Vice President and Global Chief Technology Officer
Tilak Mandadi
Executive Vice President and Global Chief Technology Officer
In his role as Executive Vice president and Global Technology Officer for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Tilak leads a large and diverse team of technology professionals across the U.S., Asia, and Europe. His team is a fully integrated partner in executing growth and innovation strategies for all businesses in the segment, including theme parks, resort hotels, Disney Signature Experiences (Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Aulani, A Disney Spa & Resort and Golden Oak), food and beverage, consumer products, retail, gaming, publishing and Walt Disney Imagineering.
Tilak’s commercial and consumer focus, as well as his hands-on technical expertise in digital and physical convergence, ecommerce, data science, AI/machine learning, cloud, lean practices, infrastructure operations and information security, provide the foundation for defining and delivering the segment’s end-to-end technology capabilities and roadmap. Tilak and his team deliver relentless innovations and strategic solutions in guest and consumer experiences and products, cast and crew experiences and productivity, strategic business growth and competitive advantages.
Throughout his career, Tilak has consistently led transformative, business-critical, global initiatives well beyond traditional technology functions. He has held progressively expanded leadership roles, while building strong, successful partnerships with senior- and board-level executives across a very diverse set of industries and business cultures, including financial services, hospitality, retail, energy and technology.
As a versatile leader, Tilak has successfully created and led innovative startup teams as well as large, enterprise technology organizations. Prior to joining the company, Tilak served as Senior Vice President, Digital Technologies and Enterprise Growth at American Express, where he oversaw the digitization of the card business and the technical enablement of the business expansion into new growth adjacencies and demographics. He has also held senior, global digital and technology leadership positions at FedEx Office and Dell Online after starting his career as a technical consultant at AT&T Bell Labs.
Tilak holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Oregon.
Ken Potrock
President, Consumer Products
Ken Potrock
President, Consumer Products
As President of Consumer Products, Ken Potrock leads Disney’s global merchandising effort to bring beloved characters, brands and stories to market through the Disney store, shopDisney, and licensing and retail partners. He assumed leadership of Consumer Products in May 2018.
Ken joined Consumer Products after more than two decades of leadership experience at Disney Parks. Throughout his career, Ken has consistently challenged the status quo – enabling a holistic entrepreneurial culture that defies the odds and ensures the unparalleled “Disney Difference” is delivered each day to Guests, consumers and fans.
Ken is also well-known for developing, invigorating and transforming numerous Disney properties and businesses to deliver consistent and dynamic growth. Most recently, Ken served as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Club, the Company’s innovative and fast-growing vacation ownership program, as well as 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, Ken was Senior Vice President of Disney Sports Enterprises, where he led the transformative rebranding of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida. Ken began his Disney career in 1996 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 California with his wife and two sons, Ken was deeply involved in supporting the Central Florida community, serving 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. He was also recently honored as a 2018 ‘Father of the Year’ by the American Diabetes Association.
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.
Catherine Powell
President, Disney Parks Western Region
Catherine Powell
President, Disney Parks Western Region
Catherine Powell is President, Disney Parks Western Region, overseeing Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disneyland Paris. Catherine has had an expansive and diverse 14-year career with the company, including a variety of leadership positions across three continents.
Most recently, Catherine served as President of Disneyland Paris, Europe’s top tourist destination and a regional brand beacon for The Walt Disney Company. Catherine spearheaded several successful initiatives during her time at Disneyland Paris, and the resort was reinvigorated under her leadership.
Prior to her role at Disneyland Paris, Catherine was Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand. Based in Sydney, she was responsible for driving the company’s commercial and creative strategy, coordinating and leading all company business divisions, overseeing franchises, expanding existing businesses, and seeking out new business opportunities in the region.
Catherine also led the Media Distribution division of The Walt Disney Company in Europe, Middle East and Africa. She was responsible for the design and implementation of commercial strategies for the linear TV and digital media distribution of channels and content for the company, including Walt Disney Studios, ABC Studios, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, ABC News, music, mobile apps, games and other interactive content.
She also served as Disney Media Distribution’s Senior Vice President, Sales – UK, Ireland, France, Nordic, Benelux and Israel; and prior to that, as Executive Director – Sales, UK and Ireland.
Catherine joined the company in 2004 as Creative Director, Portfolio Development Group, where she was responsible for formats and local production activity across entertainment formats and scripted revisions of shows from ABC Studios.
Prior to joining the company, Catherine worked for BBC Worldwide for seven years, where she held various senior TV sales roles across territories including Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, Germany and Spain/Portugal.
Catherine is a graduate of Oxford University where she studied PPE (Politics Philosophy Economics). She is fluent in English, French and German. She was a trustee of the Sydney Opera House. In 2015, Catherine was elected a member of the Chief Executive Women in Australia, and in 2016 received the Women Worth Watching award from Profiles in Diversity Journal.
Jeff Smith
Deputy General Counsel, The Walt Disney Company
Jeff Smith
Deputy General Counsel, The Walt Disney Company
Jeff Smith is Deputy General Counsel of The Walt Disney Company and oversees all legal matters for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, as well as legal functions associated with corporate transactions, real estate, and information technology for the company.
Prior to assuming his current responsibilities, Jeff was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Walt Disney World Resort, responsible for all legal matters related to Disney's operations in Florida, including Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club.
During his time with the company, Jeff helped shape and accomplish a wide variety of real estate, financing and complex commercial transactions, including the negotiation of stadium and arena agreements for The Anaheim Angels and The Mighty Ducks, financing arrangements for Disneyland Paris Resort, as well as entitlements and public financing for Disney California Adventure Park.
A native of California and graduate of Stanford University and UCLA School of Law, Jeff joined The Walt Disney Company legal staff in 1987.
Jeff Vahle
President, Disney Signature Experiences
Jeff Vahle
President, Disney Signature Experiences
Jeff Vahle is the 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 unrivaled brand of family vacations. Jeff oversees Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Golden Oak and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.
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. During his 28-year career with the company, he has held a series of high-profile leadership roles in operations, engineering, technology and global support services.
At Disney Cruise Line, Jeff is responsible for the entire award-winning business, 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. Jeff will also oversee the much-anticipated expansion of Disney’s cruise fleet, with the delivery of three new ships in 2021, 2022 and 2023, all of them showcasing the immersive family entertainment, enchanting storytelling and unparalleled service for which Disney is well known. Since its launch in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has established itself as a leader in the family cruise market, sailing from ports around the world on exhilarating itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera, among others.
Jeff also leads the team at Disney Vacation Club, the company’s popular vacation-ownership program. The club offers a portfolio of 14 themed resorts, from its newest property, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, 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. A 15th resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, will open near Epcot in 2019. His other responsibilities include Adventures by Disney, the company’s guided group travel business with nearly 40 itineraries across 30 countries, and Golden Oak, the company’s luxury whole-ownership community of custom homes at Walt Disney World Resort.
In addition to his duties with these high-growth vacation businesses (collectively called Disney Signature Experiences), Jeff oversees Facilities & Operations Services for Disney theme parks worldwide. These teams are responsible for engineering and industrial engineering, maintenance, construction, utilities, manufacturing, sourcing and procurement, and asset management programs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Disneyland Resort in California, Disneyland Paris Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney 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 previously serving on the Central Florida Salvation Army board of directors. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University and a master’s degree in business administration from Rollins College.
Bob Weis
President, Walt Disney Imagineering
Bob Weis
President, Walt Disney Imagineering
Bob Weis is the President of Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), the creative engine behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and consumer products, including books, games, and merchandise.
As the creative and design lead for some of Disney’s largest and most successful parks, Bob has decades of experience leading build projects around the world. Before becoming President of WDI, Bob was the creative executive of Shanghai Disney Resort. Prior to that, Bob completed a five-year transformation and expansion of Disney California Adventure Park. Bob’s previous projects include creative leadership over the original concept for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ attraction, conceptual design for Tokyo DisneySea, and work on the first international Disney theme park, Tokyo Disneyland.
Bob has been honored with multiple awards from the Themed Entertainment Association, along with awards for the development of Shanghai Disney Resort, including the China Construction Engineering Luban Prize and The American Institute of Architects Technology in Architectural Practice Award for the successful implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Outside of the company, Bob’s creative experience includes collaboration with the Smithsonian and other museum projects, and his feature film and documentary projects have been shown on Lifetime and American public television. Bob holds a degree in architecture from Cal Poly Pomona.
