Disney Announces New Chairman for Parks, Cruises, and Consumer Products
In a move signaling a transformative chapter for Disney’s global parks and vacation portfolio, Disney Experiences has announced a major leadership restructuring, naming industry veteran Thomas Mazloum as its new Chairman.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Walt Disney Company, as Mazloum steps into the role formerly held by Josh D’Amaro, who is transitioning to become the company’s next Chief Executive Officer.
As Chairman of Disney Experiences, Mazloum now oversees a massive global portfolio that serves as the company’s primary engine for physical storytelling, including:
- Theme Parks & Resorts: Leading iconic destinations worldwide.
- Disney Cruise Line: Managing a rapidly expanding fleet.
- Walt Disney Imagineering: Guiding the creative “think tank” responsible for designing all Disney attractions.
- Consumer Products: Overseeing the global retail and merchandise strategy.
“We’re in an unprecedented period of growth,” D’Amaro said. “Thomas is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of delivering growth. His focus on service excellence and his connection to the creativity that brings our stories to life make him the right leader for this next chapter.”
Mazloum’s ascent to the top of Disney’s most profitable division is backed by decades of experience in high-end hospitality. Before his tenure at Disney, he built a reputation in European luxury hotels and served as the Chief Operating Officer of Crystal Cruise Line, where he was credited with transforming organizational culture and service standards.
Within Disney, Mazloum has a history of scaling businesses. As President of Disney Signature Experiences, he spearheaded a strategic plan to double the size of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, culminating in the recent launch of the Disney Adventure in Singapore—the brand’s first ship homeported in Asia.
Leading the 70th Anniversary
Most recently, Mazloum served as President of the Disneyland Resort in California. During his tenure, he navigated the resort through its 70th-anniversary celebrations, overseeing two theme parks and the Downtown Disney District.
Mazloum’s leadership style is noted for balancing operational efficiency with a “cast-first” mentality. Disney leadership emphasized that his international background will be critical as the company seeks to reach new generations of fans in emerging global markets.
Key Leadership Appointments Under Mazloum
To round out the new leadership structure, Disney Experiences also announced several key presidential appointments. These leaders will report directly to Thomas Mazloum as part of the division’s revitalized executive team:
- Jill Estorino transitions to President, Disneyland Resort. Estorino will now oversee the day-to-day operations of the California destination, including its two theme parks and three hotels.
- Tasia Filippatos has been named President, Disney Parks International. In this role, she will lead the strategy and operations for Disney’s global portfolio of parks and resorts outside of the United States.
- Lisa Baldzicki steps in as President, Disney Consumer Products. Baldzicki will be responsible for the global retail and licensing business, ensuring characters and stories continue to reach fans through innovative products.
According to the company, these appointments are designed to provide a “diverse and versatile” foundation for the division as it enters a period of significant global investment and expansion across its cruise, park, and retail sectors.
