Reports suggest the veteran Disney Parks West president is leaving following the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands’ launches fell flat. According to The Hollywood Reporter (THR), Catherine Powell, who oversees the U.S. and Paris theme parks for The Walt Company is leaving the studio.
As the president of Disney Parks West, Powell was in charge of Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. Powell oversaw the recent openings of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World that “fell flat on attendance”.
Disney had to follow up the turnout for the land openings with discount pricing and aggressive marketing, according to the THR. Sources at Disney have suggested that Powell’s post has been eliminated, and she will help in the transition as her staff reports to Bob Chapek, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
The Walt Disney Company had significant expectations for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge however hype around the new lands appears to have discouraged some from attending soon following the openings.
Shortly after it was announced that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge would open in Late May, Disney revealed that a no-cost reservation (in addition to a park admission ticket) would be needed to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Powell, who had worked for Disney for 15 years, joined the company in 2004. It’s a significant departure! Let us know what you feel about it in the comments below.
[…] Furthermore, in addition to the newly named Presidents, Bob Chapek, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products chairman, addressed the news of Catherine Powell’s departure from the company. You can find out more about Powell’s departure here. […]
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