Jill Estorino replaces Michael Colglazier as President and Managing Director, Disney Parks, International

Jul 16, 2020 in "The Walt Disney Company"

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Posted: Thursday July 16, 2020 1:51pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

With the news that Michael Colglazier will move to Virgin Galactic as CEO, Disney has announced that Jill Estorino will replace him as President and Managing Director, Disney Parks, International.

Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International

Michael Colglazier's departure was not unexpected when Josh D'Amaro became the new President, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products earlier this year. Michael has been with the company for 30 years which included time as president of the Disneyland Resort, and as vice president of Disney's Animal Kingdom back in 2010.

“Jill is known as an innovative and dynamic leader, and she’ll bring her nearly 30 years of Disney experience to guide our international parks into the future,” said Josh D’Amaro.

In her 29 year career with Disney, Jill was previously executive vice president, Global Marketing and Sales, Disney Parks Experiences and Products. In her new role, she will oversee the international Disney parks, including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Disneyland Paris and Japan alongside Original Land Co.

“I am excited for the opportunity to once again work more closely with our teams in Europe and Asia and to share Disney Magic with Guests and fans throughout the world.” Estorino said.

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LilofanJul 17, 2020

No direct operational parks experience but she has an understanding of it.

MarvelCharacterNerdJul 17, 2020

I get the instinct to doubt, but just like with Ken Potrock, who did work more relevant to parks/experiences before his very brief gig in Consumer Products, people are not looking at more than one job back with a longterm exec. Jill Estorino - "Prior to leading global marketing and sales, Estorino was Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Asia Pacific for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, leading the teams at Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disney Resort to achieve business goals and ensure a consistent brand presence in the APAC region. Previously, she was Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, working to drive attendance and occupancy for Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Vacation Club." -- Deadline So she worked with virtually all parks previously. Seems like a good fit for the job based on that resume.

tirianJul 16, 2020

Josh D’Amaro, not Bob Chapek :)

WEDway Inc & Company LLCJul 16, 2020

I thought the general consensus on this board was that chapek didn’t seem like he had all the experience he needed? Not sure if I agree or disagree here.

tirianJul 16, 2020

LOL! Side note: Does Disney have many people whose experience qualifies them? I’m asking because Josh seems to be the only promotion who actually has a background in his division. Maybe it’s time for the Mouse to start promoting more people from within the respective departments, or even looking outside the company. This isn’t a slight towards Jill; she may be great. But the lack of diversity also begs the question whether the company has diverse people in the first place.

the.dreamfinderJul 16, 2020

With the way the past five years have gone for them, they’re going to need plenty of it.

denyuntilcaughtJul 16, 2020

Good luck, Jill. Your background in *peers at press release* Global Marketing and Sales has really set you up for success here. Side note/observation, TWDC really has an issue with diversity in it's upper rankings.

tirianJul 16, 2020

Good luck, Virgin Galactic.

DCBakerJul 16, 2020

Here's who replaces him - "Walt Disney Wednesday named company veteran Jill Estorino president and managing director of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products International, effective immediately. Estorino has been been at Disney for 29 years, most recently as Executive Vice President, Global Marketing and Sales, and will now overseeing parks and resorts’ international operations and development, including Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort with the Oriental Land Company, Shanghai Disney Resort and Disneyland Paris — all at a time when a global pandemic continues to wreak havoc on businesses around the world. Hong Kong Disneyland, which reopened June 18, was just shut down again on COVID-19 concerns." https://deadline.com/2020/07/walt-disney-global-marketing-jil-estorino-international-parks-1202986791/