BURBANK, CA – Thomas Mazloum has been appointed chairman of Disney Experiences, succeeding Josh D’Amaro, who is poised to become Disney’s Chief Executive Officer. The move, announced Tuesday, places Mazloum at the helm of the entertainment giant’s lucrative parks, experiences and products division, a critical component of Disney’s overall financial performance. This transition occurs alongside other key leadership changes within the company, including the appointments of D’Amaro and Dana Walden, incoming President and Chief Creative Officer, all effective March 18th.
The Disney Experiences portfolio encompasses a vast array of businesses, including Disney’s globally renowned theme parks – Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort – the Imagineering division responsible for creating park attractions, Disney Cruise Line, Disney’s Aulani resort and spa in Hawaii, and the company’s extensive merchandise operations. Mazloum’s leadership will be pivotal as Disney navigates a dynamic entertainment landscape and continues to invest heavily in its experiences business.
This leadership reshuffle underscores the importance of the parks division to Disney’s bottom line. In recent years, the experiences segment has consistently generated a significant portion of the company’s operating income, reaching nearly 57% last year, according to Disney’s financial reports. Maintaining this momentum is crucial as Disney faces competition from other major players in the theme park industry, such as Universal Studios.
Mazloum’s Background and Previous Roles
Mazloum’s appointment marks a continuation of his decade-long career with The Walt Disney Company. Prior to assuming the role of chairman, Mazloum served as President of Disneyland Resort, a position he held for approximately one year. During his tenure at Disneyland, he oversaw the park’s 70th-anniversary celebration and implemented changes aimed at improving the guest experience, including the elimination of time limitations for park-hopping between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. This decision, designed to manage guest flow, was a popular move among frequent visitors.
Before leading Disneyland Resort, Mazloum held the position of head of Disney Signature Experiences, overseeing the Disney Cruise Line and other premium offerings. His background includes extensive hospitality training in Europe, providing him with a global perspective on guest service and operations. This international experience is expected to be a valuable asset as Disney continues to expand its reach and cater to a diverse global audience.
Leadership Transition and Jill Estorino’s Appointment
The transition of leadership too includes the appointment of Jill Estorino as the new head of Disneyland Resort. Estorino brings a wealth of international experience to the role, having previously served as president and managing director of Disney Parks International. In this capacity, she oversaw Disney’s theme parks and resorts in both Europe and Asia, demonstrating her ability to manage complex operations across diverse cultural contexts. Her appointment signals Disney’s continued commitment to international growth and operational excellence.
Josh D’Amaro, who Mazloum is succeeding as chairman of Disney Experiences, will be transitioning to the role of Disney’s Chief Executive Officer. D’Amaro’s move to the top leadership position reflects his successful track record within the company and his deep understanding of Disney’s core businesses. Dana Walden will simultaneously assume the role of President and Chief Creative Officer, further solidifying the company’s leadership team.
$60 Billion Investment Plan and Future Growth
Mazloum will now be responsible for overseeing Disney’s ambitious 10-year, $60 billion investment plan for its experiences business. This substantial investment is earmarked for significant expansions and enhancements across Disney’s theme parks, including new themed lands at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. At Disneyland Resort alone, the planned development could reach $1.9 billion, signaling a major commitment to the Anaheim location. The Los Angeles Times reported on this investment plan in April 2024.
This investment is not merely about expansion; it’s about maintaining Disney’s competitive edge in the rapidly evolving entertainment industry. The company faces increasing competition from other theme park operators, such as Universal Studios, and must continually innovate to attract and retain guests. The planned expansions are designed to offer immersive and engaging experiences that differentiate Disney’s parks from those of its competitors.
Addressing International Visitation Headwinds
Despite the positive outlook, Disney acknowledges potential challenges on the horizon. The company has indicated that “international visitation headwinds” may impact its earnings for the fiscal second quarter. This refers to a potential slowdown in the number of international tourists visiting Disney’s U.S.-based parks. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times on February 2, 2026, Disney anticipates this factor will play a role in its financial performance.
However, Disneyland Resort has proven resilient benefiting from a high percentage of visitors from California. This local support base has helped to mitigate the impact of the decline in international tourism. Mazloum will need to leverage this strength while also exploring strategies to attract international visitors back to Disney’s U.S. Parks.
The Importance of Disney Experiences
The Disney Experiences division has become the economic engine for the Burbank-based media and entertainment giant. The division’s success is a testament to Disney’s ability to create immersive and memorable experiences that resonate with guests of all ages. From the iconic attractions of Disneyland and Walt Disney World to the luxurious accommodations of Aulani and the enchanting voyages of Disney Cruise Line, the experiences business represents a core pillar of Disney’s overall strategy.
Mazloum’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that Disney Experiences continues to thrive in the years to come. His focus on service excellence, international leadership, and creative innovation will be essential as Disney navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The company’s continued investment in its experiences business demonstrates its confidence in the long-term potential of this vital segment.
The leadership changes taking effect on March 18th represent a significant moment for The Walt Disney Company. With Mazloum at the helm of Disney Experiences, D’Amaro as CEO, and Walden as President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney is positioning itself for continued success in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
Looking ahead, Disney’s next earnings call, scheduled for May 2026, will provide further insight into the performance of the experiences business and the impact of these leadership changes. Investors and industry analysts will be closely watching to observe how Disney navigates the challenges of international visitation and continues to deliver growth in its core parks and resorts segment.
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