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updated 01/09/2013 5:15PM Disneyland Resort gets new president Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, headquartered in Burbank, is rearranging the leadership of the various Disney resorts in the U.S. and abroad. George Kalogridis, former president of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, has been appointed to oversee Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Michael Colglazier will succeed Kalogrids as president of the Disneyland Resort. Also, Meg Crofton has been appointed the global role of president of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Operations for the U.S. and France.

The announcement of the new appointments comes from Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, the Walt Disney Co. subsidiary that oversees all four resorts around the world. Staggs said that “the time is right” to make the leadership transition at the company.

“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. “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. They both bring a wealth of operational expertise, leadership and passion to these roles, which will contribute to the success of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.”
Colglazier comes to Anaheim from a leadership position at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort, where he oversaw the planning and development of a new Avatar-themed land. His career spans more than twenty years of experience, including leadership roles in operations, global development and operations strategy.

During Kalogridis’ time as head of the Anaheim resort he oversaw the largest expansion project in the resort’s history, which included the Disney California Adventure construction and opening of the new Cars Land. He brings more than 40 years of experience at the Walt Disney Company to his new position in Florida

Crofton’s official appointment as president of Walt Disney Resort’s U.S. and France operations is a role that she has held since July 2011, while concurrently serving as president of Walt Disney World. Kalogridis’ appointment will enable her to fully focus on the U.S. and France operations of

Other appointments announced at the same time. Claire Bilby joins sales and marketing, Disneyland Paris and Europe, as its new senior vice president; Bilby will relocate to Paris as part of her new role. Ken Potrock has been named senior vice president and general manager of the Disney Vacation Club and Adventures by Disney.

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