The Walt Disney Co. has promoted Bob Chapek, former president of Disney Consumer Products, to chairman of its Parks and Resorts division, the company announced Monday.
Chapek, 55, replaces Tom Staggs, promoted earlier this month to chief operating officer at Disney and likely the successor to CEO Bob Iger, who is expected to retire in 2018.
Chapek takes over a successful Disney theme park operation that under Staggs posted record attendance and growth. In the first quarter of this year, Disney posted its 15th quarter in a row of year-over-year growth in revenues and operating income.
He’ll oversee a division that includes Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Walt Disney World Resort, three international theme parks and the Disney Cruise Line and Disney resorts around the world.
“Under Bob’s leadership, Consumer Products has seen great success, focusing on brands and a franchise-driven strategy while launching new products and retail experiences that combine technological innovation and creativity,” Iger said in a statement. “He is an experienced and versatile executive well-suited to lead Parks and Resorts into the future.”
Jim Hill, a blogger who covers the entertainment industry with a strong focus on Disney, said Chapek is coming into the job at a challenging time.
Known as an innovator, Chapek will need to apply that same approach to the parks, Hill said.
Chapek must refine the MyMagic+ technology at Disney World, introduce it to Disneyland and the rest of the Disney theme parks. MyMagic+ is a system that allows guests to customize experiences, in and outside of Disney parks, via a wristband and/or a phone app.
Further, Chapek must figure out how best to incorporate “Star Wars” and Marvel attractions into the parks, Hill said.
“Chapek is the reason why every little girl is holding a Princess Elsa doll,” Hill said. “This is a loyal guy who helped grow consumer products into a powerhouse. What he’s done there, if he can do that for the parks, it’s a smart move by Iger.”
Chapek worked in brand management at H.J. Heinz Co. and in advertising at J. Walter Thompson before joining Disney in 1993. At Disney, Chapek has served as president of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, and president of Distribution before leading Disney Consumer Products.
“I look forward to working with the remarkably talented team dedicated to creating magical memories for millions of guests around the world,” Chapek said in the Disney statement.
Contact the writer: 714-704-3764 or jpimentel@ocregister.com
