Disney Experiences Unveils New Senior Leadership Appointments Amid Global Expansion
Leadership changes position Disney Experiences for its next era of worldwide growth and innovation
Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum today announced several key leadership appointments as the division continues one of the most ambitious expansion periods in its history.
The new appointments include:
Joe Schott named President of Walt Disney World Resort
Natacha Rafalski named President of Disney Signature Experiences
Christophe Murphy promoted to President of Disneyland Paris
“Disney Experiences is entering a remarkable period of growth, with more projects underway across our global portfolio than ever before,” said Thomas Mazloum, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “Joe, Natacha, and Christophe each bring extensive operational expertise, financial leadership, and a deep understanding of the guest experience. Their proven leadership will help continue the incredible momentum across our businesses as we shape the future of Disney Experiences.”
Joe Schott Appointed President of Walt Disney World Resort
Joe Schott has been named President of Walt Disney World Resort, succeeding Jeff Vahle following his retirement after 36 years with The Walt Disney Company.
Walt Disney World Resort remains the most visited vacation destination in the world and the largest single-site employer in the United States, with nearly 80,000 Cast Members. The Florida resort includes four theme parks, two water parks, more than 30 resort hotels, Disney Springs, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The resort is currently undergoing a major phase of expansion, including the largest Magic Kingdom expansion in its history, along with new developments planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Schott brings more than four decades of leadership experience overseeing major Disney destinations across Asia and Europe. Most recently, he served as President of Disney Signature Experiences, leading the launches of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ships, Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure.
Previously, Schott served as President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, where he oversaw significant growth initiatives, including the opening of the Zootopia-themed land. During his tenure, the resort surpassed 100 million guests in less than ten years. Additional projects currently in development include a new Spider-Man attraction and two new hotels.
Before Shanghai, Schott spent five years as Chief Operating Officer of Disneyland Paris and also held leadership roles supporting Tokyo Disney Resort through Walt Disney Attractions Japan.
His appointment marks a meaningful return to Walt Disney World, where he first began his Disney career as a Jungle Cruise Skipper.
Natacha Rafalski Named President of Disney Signature Experiences
Disney veteran Natacha Rafalski has been appointed President of Disney Signature Experiences (DSE), the division that oversees Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak.
In her new role, Rafalski will lead Disney Cruise Line’s continued expansion, with the fleet expected to grow from eight ships today to 13 vessels by 2031. Each ship is designed to extend Disney storytelling, innovation, and guest service experiences to families around the world.
Rafalski brings nearly 30 years of Disney leadership experience, combining strategic planning, operational expertise, and financial leadership.
Since 2018, she has served as President of Disneyland Paris, overseeing more than 20,000 Cast Members across two parks, seven themed hotels, and Disney Village. During her leadership, Disneyland Paris launched a €2 billion transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World, significantly expanding the park and introducing major additions including Marvel Avengers Campus and World of Frozen.
Earlier in her career, Rafalski played an important role in the development of Shanghai Disney Resort and later served as Chief Financial Officer for The Walt Disney Company Greater China from 2013 to 2017.
Christophe Murphy Promoted to President of Disneyland Paris
Christophe Murphy has been promoted to President of Disneyland Paris, where he will oversee one of Disney’s most iconic international destinations during a period of continued growth and creative development.
Upcoming projects at Disneyland Paris include a new Lion King-themed land designed to further enhance the resort experience for guests across Europe and beyond.
Murphy brings more than 35 years of Disney experience, having originally joined Disneyland Paris during its pre-opening phase in 1991. Over the years, he has held leadership roles across nearly every aspect of resort operations, including theme parks, hotels, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverage, Disney Village, and franchise integration.
In 2021, Murphy became Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney Attractions Japan, partnering closely with Oriental Land Company at Tokyo Disney Resort on operational excellence, guest experience, and expansion initiatives.
He returned to Disneyland Paris in 2023 as Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing resort-wide operational strategy and helping deliver the expansion projects that introduced Disney Adventure World and World of Frozen in 2026.
Murphy also brings additional expertise from previous leadership roles in Disneyland Paris Marketing & Sales, contributing a broad understanding of the overall guest experience.
