There have been quite a few changes announced recently in terms of leadership and organization at the Walt Disney Company lately.
Cinderella Castle
Recently, its entertainment and media divisions were restructured to focus on streaming, and long-time Imagineer Joe Rohde announced that he would be retiring. Now, another member of the Disney team who has worked with the Company for over 40 years, has announced that he will be retiring.
Earlier today, Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort, shared via his Instagram (@jeffvahle) that Jim MacPhee — the current Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer at Walt Disney World Resort — will be retiring early next year.
Jim MacPhee | Photo: Shared by Jeff Vahle via Instagram (@jeffvahle)
MacPhee has been working for the Walt Disney Company since 1978! MacPhee’s roles have included Senior Vice President of Next Generation Experiences, Vice President of EPCOT, and Vice President of Operations at Disneyland Resort.
Photo: Shared by Jeff Vahle via Instagram (@jeffvahle)
In the caption written on Instagram, Jeff Vahle noted that he met MacPhee when they were preparing for the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Vahle said that MacPhee is a “beacon for what is great in our Disney heritage” and that he “leaves behind a tremendous legacy inspiring our Cast and helping bring magic to life for our guests.” He congratulated MacPhee on his upcoming retirement.
Photo: Shared by Jeff Vahle via Instagram (@jeffvahle)
You can read the full comment from Jeff Vahle below:
Congratulations to my friend and colleague Jim MacPhee on his upcoming retirement after 42 years of making magic at Disney. I met Jim as we prepared to open Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He is many things—leader, innovator, friend, husband & father. He is also a beacon for what is great in our Disney heritage. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy inspiring our Cast and helping bring magic to life for our guests. Please join me in congratulating Jim and his family as they begin the next chapter of their story on April 1!
Mickey Balloons in Disney Springs
Congratulations to Jim MacPhee on his many years of work for Disney and upcoming retirement. Stay tuned for more Disney news and updates.
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Sad to see a seasoned veteran of Disney move on, good luck good health and a warm thank you is in order to those who helped make what we have all enjoyed for so long. Maybe Ken Potrock will return to Central Florida, he was a great guy, very personable and approachable when he hosted so many DVC events.