The East’s happiest place on earth just announced a new president–a UCF alumnus.
George Kalogridis, a sociology graduate from the University of Central Florida, will move East from his current position as president of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. to take over as president of Disney World, The Walt Disney Co. announced.
Meg Crofton, the Walt Disney World current president, will transition to a role that focuses exclusively on operations for all Disney theme parks in the United States and Europe.
A Disney press release states:
“Effective Feb. 1, Meg Crofton will fully assume her global role as president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, U.S. and France – a position she has held since July 2011 – while concurrently serving as president of Walt Disney World. With Meg’s transition complete, George A. Kalogridis is named president of the Walt Disney World Resort…”
Kalogridis began working for Disney in 1971 as a busboy at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort. Beginning Feb. 1, he will oversee more than 66,000 cast members at four theme parks and two dozen hotels and time shares.
Other positions held in the past by Kalogridis include:
– General manager at the Grand Floridian Beach Resort
– Vice president of Epcot
– Vice president of Disney travel operations
– Senior vice president and president of Disneyland Resort
The new change was ordered by current Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, who thanked Crofton for her role in Florida and welcomed the new company changes.
“This group of Disney veterans has the knowledge and expertise needed to continue delivering on our legacy of creating unforgettable experiences that our guests have come to know and expect. I would like to thank Meg for her tireless devotion and the extraordinary contributions serving in both positions, and wish George and Michael the best of luck in their new roles.”
