A significant leadership transition is underway at The Walt Disney Company, with incoming CEO Josh D’Amaro set to accept the helm next week and a ripple effect of changes announced across the Disney Experiences division. Most notably, Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum will succeed D’Amaro as Chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing the company’s vast portfolio of theme parks, cruise lines and consumer products. This move signals a continuation of strategic direction as Disney navigates a dynamic entertainment landscape and focuses on delivering immersive experiences to its global audience.
The announcement, made Tuesday, marks a pivotal moment for Disney Experiences, a division that has become a key economic driver for the entertainment giant. Mazloum’s appointment comes as D’Amaro prepares to assume the role of CEO on March 18th, taking over from Bob Iger. Alongside Mazloum’s promotion, Disney revealed a series of additional leadership changes designed to position the company for continued growth and innovation in the years ahead. The changes reflect a strategic alignment as Disney continues to invest in its parks, experiences, and consumer products.
Mazloum’s Rise Through the Ranks
Thomas Mazloum’s journey with The Walt Disney Company began in 1998 as a hotel director for Disney Cruise Line. He steadily climbed the ranks, taking on various senior roles at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World before leading all of Disney Signature Experiences. His career also included a period at Crystal Cruises, where he was recognized for his ability to drive service excellence and transform organizational cultures. D’Amaro praised Mazloum as an “exceptional leader” with a “genuine appreciation for our cast members and a proven track record of delivering growth,” highlighting his focus on service and creativity as key assets for the role.
Mazloum’s most recent role as President of the Disneyland Resort, which he assumed in January 2025, provided him with valuable experience overseeing operations at Walt Disney’s original theme park. He will officially transition to Chairman of Disney Experiences on March 18th, alongside D’Amaro’s move to CEO.
New Leadership Roles Announced
The leadership reshuffle extends beyond the top position, with several key appointments announced alongside Mazloum’s promotion. Jill Estorino, currently President of Disney Parks International, will step into Mazloum’s former role as President of the Disneyland Resort. Estorino brings 35 years of experience with The Walt Disney Company, including a pivotal role in the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort.
Tasia Filippatos will become President of Disney Parks International, while Lisa Baldzicki will take on the role of President of Disney Consumer Products. Filippatos currently serves as President of Disney Consumer Products, and Baldzicki was previously head of Parks Product Development & Retail for Disney Consumer Products. These appointments demonstrate Disney’s commitment to internal talent development and strategic positioning within its various business segments.
A Smooth Transition for Disney Experiences
D’Amaro expressed confidence in the new leadership team, stating, “As we look ahead, I have tremendous confidence in Thomas and in the leaders stepping into these roles — Jill, Tasia, and Lisa — along with the incredible leadership team across Disney Experiences.” He emphasized their collective ability to build on the company’s momentum and continue delivering the unique experiences that define the Disney brand. The Disney Experiences division employs approximately 185,000 cast members worldwide, making these leadership changes particularly significant.
The timing of these changes coincides with a period of continued investment and expansion across Disney’s parks and resorts, including ongoing projects at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Disneyland. These developments underscore Disney’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience and solidifying its position as a global leader in entertainment.
As Mazloum prepares to lead Disney Experiences into its next chapter, the company appears well-positioned to capitalize on its strengths and navigate the evolving demands of the entertainment industry. The leadership transition is expected to be seamless, with a focus on maintaining the high standards of service, creativity, and innovation that have become synonymous with the Disney name.
What these changes mean for future park expansions and guest experiences remains to be seen, but the appointments signal a continued focus on delivering magical moments to visitors around the world. Share your thoughts on these leadership changes in the comments below!
