Meg Crofton Named President of Disney Parks in U.S. and France

12:14 PM PST 1/9/2013 by Alex Ben Block

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A number of promotions and job changes are announced as part of a “leadership transition” in the global theme park group.

On the heels of billions of dollars of renovations at parks in California, Florida, Europe and China, the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts division announced that Meg Crofton is now officially president of operations in the U.S. and France, a job she had already been doing on an interim basis.

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In addition to Crofton taking a more strategic role, Tom Staggs, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts announced a series of other “leadership transitions” on Wednesday, in part to fill jobs that Crofton had been doing.

George A. Kalogridis has been named president of the Walt Disney World Resort and Michael Colglazier has been appointed president of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Both take over on Feb. 1.

“With all that we currently have in flight across our resort destinations in the U.S. and France, the time is right to move forward with this leadership transition,” said Staggs. “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 added that Kalogridis and Colglazier “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.”

Claire Bilbywill move to Paris as senior vice president, Sales and Marketing Disneyland Paris and Europe, reporting to Leslie Ferraro, executive vp of Global Marketing and Sales and Philippe Gas, CEO of Euro Disney S.A.S.

As a result of Bilby’s promotion, Ken Potrock has been named senior vp and gm, Disney Vacation Club and Adventures by Disney, reporting to Karl Holz, president of New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line. He most recently headed the sports and Downtown Disney organizations.

Kalogridis has been with Disney over 40 years in jobs around the world. He was most recently president of the Disneyland Resort and oversaw the billion dollar revamp of California Adventure.

Colglazier most recently was head of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, and has been involved in planning for the upcoming Avatar themed land.