ABOVE courtesy Euro Disney.
Marne-la-Vallée, France (April 12, 2016) — Euro Disney S.C.A. today announced the nomination of Catherine Powell to the position of Président of Euro Disney S.A.S., the management company of both Euro Disney S.C.A., the holding company, and Euro Disney Associés S.C.A., the operator of Disneyland® Paris.
“We are thrilled to welcome Catherine to Disneyland Paris,” said Karl Holz, president of New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line. “Catherine has held a variety of senior leadership roles throughout the world for Disney, including in Australia and Europe, and has proven to be an exceptional leader who has the versatility and experience needed to lead the continued success of Disneyland Paris.”
Powell replaces Tom Wolber, who will return to the United States to take on operational responsibilities of Disney Cruise Line at a critical time for that business. Disney recently announced it is adding two additional ships to the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
“Tom’s knowledge of shipbuilding is unparalleled, as he previously oversaw a number of complex expansion projects including the successful launches of the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. We are grateful for his many contributions in Paris and are anxious to have him back at the Cruise Line to oversee our latest expansion,” said Holz.
“On behalf of my fellow Supervisory Board members, I would like to thank Tom for his thoughtful leadership of Euro Disney and his dedication to the resort, its Cast Members and all of the Guests who have visited Disneyland Paris,” said Virginie Calmels, chairman of Euro Disney Supervisory Board. “We are excited to welcome Catherine back to Europe and especially to Euro Disney and look forward to her continued success in her new role.”
Catherine will begin her new assignment in July 2016. In the meantime, Tom and Catherine will transition the responsibilities to ensure continued commitment to the company’s long term strategic priorities.
Catherine currently serves as the company’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand and has more than 12 years of experience in global roles throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. In her most recent role, she has been responsible for leading all of Disney’s business divisions, overseeing global franchises, and expanding existing and new business in the region. Catherine previously led the Media Distribution division of The Walt Disney Company in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Previously, she served as Disney Media Distribution’s senior vice president, Sales – UK, Ireland, Nordic, Benelux and Israel; and prior to that, the executive director – Sales, UK and Ireland. Before joining Disney, Catherine worked for BBC Worldwide for seven years, where she held various senior TV sales roles across territories including Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Germany and Spain/Portugal.
