In case you haven't heard, the recent shake ups over at Disney Parks & Resorts mean that after only 18 months in the job, Claire Bilby is being replaced at the head of Disney Vacation Club. What do you think of this? What do you think about Adventures by Disney and DVC falling under the same VP now? I must admit I'm hoping it doesn't get lost. I'm a little on edge. I thought Bilby was just finding her footing and now she's gone. We'll see what's to come.
Here's the Press Release:
Celebration, Fla. (January 9, 2013) " Claire Bilby is leaving her role as senior vice president and general manager, Disney Vacation Club, to relocate to Paris as senior vice president, Sales & Marketing Disneyland Paris and Europe, and Disney veteran Ken Potrock will lead Disney Vacation Club effective February 1.
In his new role as senior vice president and general manager, Disney Vacation Club and Adventures by Disney, Potrock will report to Karl Holz, president of New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line.
"Ken brings vast experience and knowledge to his new role, including a deep understanding of our global travel and leisure businesses and a passion for creating one-of-a-kind Disney experiences," said Holz. "Claire's emphasis on delivering outstanding member service leaves a solid foundation, and Ken's strong and decisive leadership will be invaluable as we look to the future of Disney Vacation Club."
Throughout his Disney career, Potrock has been a leader in a wide array of Parks and Resorts businesses, and has become known as a creative catalyst with deep experience in marketing and operations. Most recently leading both the sports and Downtown Disney organizations, his leadership abilities have been apparent with the sports business and the unprecedented growth of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
Bilby has held a variety of executive positions around the world, including several in sales and marketing, and most recently she has been instrumental in leading the Disney Vacation Club business, making it a priority to deliver an exceptional experience to the more than 175,000 Member families. In her new role, she will be reporting to Leslie Ferraro, executive vice president of Global Marketing and Sales and Philippe Gas, CEO of Euro Disney S.A.S.
The announcement was part of a number of key leadership changes announced today across Walt Disney Parks and Resorts by Chairman Tom Staggs to better position the organization for growth. As part of the organization's approach to providing new opportunities and challenges to leaders, each of these transitions are designed to give seasoned executives the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the segment's diverse businesses and operations around the world.