Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, has announced his retirement, effective in late July.
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“I started my career as an engineer at Magic Kingdom and I’m wrapping it up with the best job ever, leading Walt Disney World into a period of remarkable growth in partnership with our incredible cast members and community,” Vahle posted on his LinkedIn account on Monday afternoon.
Vahle has had the top job at WDW since May 2020, taking over for Josh D’Amaro, who was then becoming the chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Projects. D’Amaro is now CEO of Walt Disney Co.
Vahle’s previous Disney positions have included oversight of Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Golden Oak and Aulani, Disney’s resort in Hawaii. He grew up in Central Florida and joined the company in 1990.
His online post included a collage of photos that included team members (including D’Amaro), cruise ships, animals, Cinderella Castle, Muppets and the Mandlorian.
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Vahle graduated from Auburn University and earned a master’s of Business Administration degree from Rollins College.
As president, Vahle saw Disney World through the bulk of the pandemic, celebrated the 50th anniversary of Magic Kingdom theme park and launched several expansion projects, including the upcoming Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a villains lands at Magic Kingdom, a “Monsters, Inc.” land at Hollywood Studios and multiple attractions at Epcot.
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“I turn around, and every time I walk someplace, I see we’re digging someplace new. It’s just amazing all the things that are coming out of the ground,” Vahle said last year.
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A replacement has not been announced.
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