In an email message to cast members, Disneyland Resort president Ed Grier announced his retirement. We received the following from Disneyland Media Relations:
Email message from Disneyland Resort president Ed Grier to cast members:Email message from Walt Disney Parks & Resorts president of worldwide operations Al Weiss to executives:Dear Fellow Cast Members,
Here at the Disneyland Resort, I have had the pleasure of leading a talented and dedicated Cast. I have been humbled and honored during the past three years as I’ve watched your hard work create smiles and laughter, and delight our Guests. The power of Disney magic never ceases to amaze me, and your passion will always be a source of inspiration.
My decision to retire from the Walt Disney Company was not an easy decision; Disney has been my home for nearly three decades. As with any family, I’ve watched it grow and evolve. The past year also has been a time for growth and change in my own family.
One defining moment came when my wife and I moved our youngest son into his dorm at Stanford this fall. It was an opportunity to reflect on the past, and consider the next chapter of our own lives. I have had a long and rewarding career with the Walt Disney Company, and am excited to explore what’s next.
Disney has taken my family on an extraordinary ride around the world - from Orlando to Paris, Tokyo and Anaheim - and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
While I look forward to the opportunities ahead, I will greatly miss the many friends and Cast Members I have met along the way. Thank you for the enthusiasm, energy and encouragement you have always provided. It has been my pleasure and privilege to be part of your team.
EdFrom: Al Weiss
Subject: WDP&R Organization Announcement
After careful consideration and many months of discussion with his family, Ed Grier, President, Disneyland Resort, has decided to retire from The Walt Disney Company. Along with other endeavors, Ed looks forward to working with his sons as they grow their recently established post-production studio in Orange, California.
Ed began his career nearly 28 years ago as a Senior Auditor at the Walt Disney World Resort. Over the years, he held various leadership roles at nearly all the Disney parks around the world, including the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort and the Disneyland Resort. He served as General Manager of EPCOT and Disney-MGM Studios. From 2004 to 2006, Ed was Executive Managing Director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan, where he oversaw Disney operations for the Tokyo Disney Resort and managed the day-to-day relationship with the Oriental Land Company. During this time, he played a key role in master planning the Tokyo Disney Resort and leading the Disney team that helped bring new attractions and entertainment spectaculars, as well as the Cirque du Soleil theatre and Tokyo Disneyland Hotel.
In 2006, Ed assumed his current role as President of the Disneyland Resort. Shortly after he arrived in Anaheim, Ed provided long-term protection for the Anaheim Resort Area, leading his team through a public debate that focused on maintaining the integrity of the Disney brand. Ed’s tenure as President was marked by significant growth and development with the expansions of Disney’s California Adventure and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the addition of the first Disney’s Vacation Club on the West Coast.
Ed has demonstrated a passionate commitment to the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim community through public appearances, service on boards and participation in initiatives covering economic recovery, travel and tourism, education and health. Ed’s leadership style has facilitated a culture of collaboration that has earned him the respect of the community and the Cast.
Please join me in thanking Ed for his many years of service and wishing him well as he moves on to new endeavors.
I will be announcing his replacement shortly.
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