New Disney Parks Chairman Tom Staggs Visits Disneyland Resort

Tom Staggs, a 20-year Disney veteran and former chief financial officer of the company, officially became chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts on January 1. He comes to the role with a deep understanding of the business, having played an active role in shaping the growth strategy for the division during his many years as CFO and as a member of the Euro Disney supervisory board.

His first priority as chairman has been to spend time in the parks getting to know the nuts and bolts of the business. He is currently on a whirlwind tour of Disney Parks around the world, including a recent visit to the Disneyland® Resort where he toured the expansion currently underway, including the World of Color construction.

“The thing that most impressed me was how passionate everyone is, and how proud they are of the Disneyland® Resort,” said Staggs. "They’re working to make the future of the parks even better, but they’re also focused on honoring the history of being the original Disney theme park.”

During his two-day visit, Staggs and Disneyland® Resort President George A. Kalogridis congratulated Richard Ruiz and Nancy Sakurai, who celebrated 40 years with the Resort and Oscar Martinez who, after 53 years, is the longest-serving active Cast Member. (From left: Sakurai, Staggs, Martinez, Ruiz and Kalogridis).

-- Posted February 12, 2010