Disneyland Resort’s new top executive will be Bob Chapek, said the Walt Disney Co., as it named him chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts today.
Chapek has been with the company 22 years, most recently as head of its consumer products division.
Prior to that he oversaw Disney’s content distribution and is credited with the company’s “vault strategy,” in which video versions of Disney movies are distributed for limited times, then kept off the market, to boost demand.
Chapek succeeds Tom Staggs, who was named chief operating officer of Burbank-based Disney Co. earlier this month. Saggs is widely thought to be next in line to be chief executive when current Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger retires in 2018.
“I am … thrilled to join the incredible Disney Parks organization,” Chapek said.
Chapek also worked for the H.J. Heinz Co. and advertising company J. Walter Thompson.
