Management changes have been announced at Disneyland Paris and Disney Cruise Line. Tom Wolber, president of the Paris theme park, will be replaced by Catherine Powell. Karl Holz, president of New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line, says, “We are thrilled to welcome Catherine to Disneyland Paris. (She) has held a variety of senior leadership roles throughout the world for Disney, including in Australia and Europe, and has proven to be an exceptional leader who has the versatility and experience needed to lead the continued success of Disneyland Paris.”
Powell is currently Disney’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand and has been working globally for the company for 12 years.
Wolber is returning to Disney Cruise Line to take over operations, a critical time for that division, as two new ships were recently announced to be joining the fleet. Wolber joined the Disney company in 1989, and was with Disney Cruise Line from 1999-2013. He was Senior Vice President of DCL when he was transferred to take over Disney Sports Enterprises. He then moved to head up Walt Disney World Resort Operations and Transportation, before taking over at Disneyland Paris in August 2014.
Of Wolber, Holz said, “Tom’s knowledge of shipbuilding is unparalleled, as he previously oversaw a number of complex expansion projects including the successful launches of the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. We are grateful for his many contributions in Paris and are anxious to have him back at the Cruise Line to oversee our latest expansion.”
Powell will begin her new role in July 2016.
News source: Disneyland Paris
Leah grew up in a little farming town in Illinois, right on the Mississippi River. Her Chicago-born husband, David, left the city for her, and they're now raising their three children (Jacob, Jonah and Lydia) just 12 miles from her hometown. As the Senior Editor of the DIS (wdwinfo.com), Leah spends a lot of time writing about, reading about, and discussing Disney. So, it should come as no surprise that one of her family's favorite ways to spend time is going to Walt Disney World and traveling on Disney Cruise Line. She also enjoys shopping, watching movies with her husband and doing crafts with and for her kids.
