Disney announces new park president and other changes
The man who has overseen the development of an “Avatar”-themed attraction in Orlando, Fla., has been named to run Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim.
Among several other promotions Wednesday, Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, named Michael Colglazier to oversee the two Southern California parks.
Colglazier replaces George A. Kalogridis, who will take over Feb. 1 as president of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Kalogridis oversaw the development and opening of Cars Land, the 12-acre expansion of California Adventure Park that opened last summer and has significantly boosted attendance at the park.
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Most recently, Colglazier has worked as vice president of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Orlando, where Disney has been developing an attraction based on the James Cameron movie “Avatar.” Construction is expected to begin this year.
Colglazier was born and raised in Indiana. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard.
He has held various positions with Disney since 1989.
Among other moves announced Tuesday, Staggs appointed Meg Crofton as president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, U.S. and France, a position she has held on an interim basis since July 2011.
“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,” Staggs said.
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