In a significant shift for one of Disney’s most vital divisions, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro has announced a leadership change that will see Michael Moriarty assume the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Disney Experiences. Moriarty will succeed Kevin Lansberry, who is set to retire in February 2026 after an illustrious 39-year tenure with The Walt Disney Company. The announcement marks a pivotal moment for Disney Experiences, a cornerstone of the company’s global entertainment empire, as it navigates a dynamic period of expansion and innovation.
Disney Experiences, formerly known as Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, is the division responsible for the company’s theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, and related ventures worldwide. It oversees iconic destinations such as Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort, and Tokyo Disney Resort. The division also encompasses Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and Adventures by Disney, as well as the creative powerhouse Walt Disney Imagineering, which designs and builds the company’s theme park attractions and experiences. Disney Experiences is a key driver of the company’s revenue and brand loyalty, blending storytelling, innovation, and guest engagement to create immersive entertainment that attracts millions of visitors annually.
Moriarty steps into the CFO role with nearly two decades of leadership experience within Disney, bringing a wealth of financial and operational expertise. His previous roles include serving as Chief Financial Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, as well as holding various finance leadership positions at Walt Disney World Resort. For the past five years, Moriarty has served as President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, where he oversaw a transformative period of growth. Under his stewardship, the resort celebrated the successful launch of World of Frozen, a themed land that has become a major draw for guests. This expansion contributed to a record-breaking year for the resort in 2024, bolstered by a year-long celebration marking its 20th anniversary, which continues to captivate visitors with new offerings and experiences.
The leadership transition comes at a time when Disney Experiences is poised for further global expansion. The division has been investing heavily in its theme parks and cruise lines, with plans to introduce new attractions, lands, and ships to meet growing demand. Recent projects include the development of new immersive experiences at Walt Disney World, such as the upcoming opening of a new land inspired by popular franchises, and the expansion of Disney Cruise Line with additional vessels set to debut in the coming years. These initiatives reflect Disney’s broader strategy to deepen its connection with fans worldwide while exploring new markets and platforms.
Lansberry’s departure marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned nearly four decades with Disney. His contributions touched multiple facets of the company, from finance and business development to operations and strategic alliances. Notably, Lansberry served as interim Chief Financial Officer for The Walt Disney Company in 2023, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of the organization’s financial landscape. His work across Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts helped shape the operational and strategic foundation of Disney Experiences, leaving a lasting legacy as he prepares to retire.
Moriarty’s appointment signals a continuation of Disney Experiences’ focus on innovation and global reach. His track record at Hong Kong Disneyland demonstrates an ability to drive growth while maintaining the division’s commitment to delivering magical, story-driven experiences. As Disney Experiences looks to the future, Moriarty’s global perspective and financial acumen are expected to play a critical role in steering the division through its next chapter of growth, which includes expanding its footprint in new regions and enhancing digital and immersive platforms to engage audiences in innovative ways.
An announcement regarding Moriarty’s successor at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is expected in the coming months, as the company continues to align its leadership with its long-term vision. For now, Disney Experiences remains focused on building on its storied legacy while embracing new opportunities to bring its magic to fans around the world.
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