There's been a shake up at the house of mouse. Walt Disney Co. President and Chief Executive Officer Robert A. Iger announced Thursday that two of the company's most senior leaders will assume new roles at the end of the year.
Thomas O. Staggs, senior executive vice president and Disney's chief financial officer, will become chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The 20-year Disney veteran will preside over the company's vacation businesses, which span three continents and include a cruise line and resort locations in North America, Europe and Asia.
James A. Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts and a 23-year Disney veteran, will become senior executive vice president and Disney's chief financial officer.
Rasulo will oversee a variety of the company's functions from worldwide finance to brand management.
Both will remain members of the senior management group reporting to Iger, who credits them with helping him shape Disney's strategic direction.
As CFO, Staggs has helped guide Disney through a period of expansion while steering it through global economic downturns in 2001 and 2008.
Rasulo oversaw major expansions of Disney's California Adventure at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and Hong Kong Disneyland. He also led negotiations with the Chinese government to begin development of a theme park in Shanghai.
