It appears that another high-level executive is saying goodbye to The Walt Disney Company. But this time it is for retirement.
George Kalogridis, a former president of the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney’s latest president of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products’ President of Disney Segment Development and Enrichment, calls an end to a tenure in which he scaled the corporate ladder from the lowest rung.
News of his retirement comes to us from Theme Park insider Scott Gustin, who tweeted that Mr. Kalogridis was retiring after spending over 50 years with The Walt Disney Company.
Of his seasoned career, Disney said, “Throughout his storied fifty-year career, George has been committed to developing our cast members and delivering unparalleled service to guests across the world and has helped influence generations of cast members in how to deliver Disney’s special brand of magic.”
Disney: "Throughout his storied fifty-year career, George has been committed to developing our cast members and delivering unparalleled service to guests across the world and has helped influence generations of cast members in how to deliver Disney’s special brand of magic.”
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) May 20, 2022
George’s career with Disney began at the same time as Walt Disney World itself, becoming a busboy at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in 1971 at the age of 17. He would spend the next several years climbing the ranks and serving high-level positions in other Disney Parks and Resorts.
George served as President of the Disneyland Resort in California, and he was also senior vice president of Resort Operations through the opening of Disney California Adventure and the Downtown Disney District. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of Disneyland Paris Resort, during which time he oversaw the 15th Anniversary Celebration.
George was previously honored at Disney World with his very own window on Main Street, U.S.A.
Anyone who has visited Disney World, Disneyland, or Disneyland Paris in the past 20 years has experienced a part of George’s legacy with The Walt Disney Company. We at Disney Fanatic congratulate George on a lifetime of magic-making, and we wish him the very best in his retirement.
Meanwhile, we will continue to update our readers on more Disney news as developments continue to come to light.
