By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
There’s been a major shakeup at Disney Experiences, effective March 18, with Thomas Mazloum (pictured at right) succeeding Josh D’Amaro as chairman.
The reorganization is part of a wider restructuring at the Walt Disney Company, as D’Amaro is transitioning to the position of CEO of the Walt Disney Company. D’Amaro was formerly chair of Disney Experiences, which enjoyed a massive and very profitable expansion during his tenure at the division.
D’Amaro is now putting the new team in place at Disney Experiences, which will include not only the appointment of Masloum as chairman, but also three other senior executives stepping into new roles. All three will have roles with direct relevance to the company’s network of global parks, international operations, or its related consumer products business.
D’Amaro says the appointments are a reflection of the division’s expansion trajectory.
“We’re in an unprecedented period of growth for Disney Experiences,” D’Amaro said. “This team will propel the world-class experiences Disney is known for to more guests across the globe.”
Mazloum takes over a division that encompasses Disney’s theme parks, cruise ships, resort hotels, expeditions and adventures, consumer products, and Walt Disney Imagineering.
He brings a background in European luxury hospitality and previously served as chief operating officer of Crystal Cruise Line before joining Disney.
His Disney career included senior leadership at Walt Disney World Resort, followed by a stint as president of Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw a long-term growth plan that included doubling the size of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Most recently he served as president of Disneyland Resort during the property’s 70th anniversary.
“Thomas Mazloum is an exceptional leader with a genuine appreciation for our cast members and a proven track record of delivering growth,” D’Amaro said. “His focus on service excellence, broad international leadership, and strong connection to the creativity that brings our stories to life make him the right leader to guide Disney Experiences into its next chapter.”
The three additional appointments will all report to Mazloum.
Jill Estorino has been named president of Disneyland Resort. Estorino’s 35-year Disney career included a role as executive vice president of global marketing and sales for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, where she contributed to the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort.
Most recently she served as president of Disney Parks International, overseeing the company’s parks in Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo.
Tasia Filippatos moves from president of Disney Consumer Products to president of Disney Parks International, where she will oversee the operations and development of Disney’s parks outside the United States.
Her portfolio will include Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort and the forthcoming park in Abu Dhabi in partnership with Miral.
Lisa Baldzicki is promoted to president of Disney Consumer Products, a division of particular significance to brand licensing professionals.
The unit encompasses what Disney describes as the world’s largest licensing business, with a presence across more than 100 product categories and a reach spanning more than 180 countries.
Baldzicki previously led Parks Product Development and Retail for the consumer products division.
“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,” D’Amaro said. “Together, they will continue to build on our momentum around the world, delivering the service, creativity and one-of-a-kind experiences that define Disney.”