Michael Moriarty, currently the President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, will become the new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Disney Experiences. This change follows the upcoming retirement of Kevin Lansberry, who will leave the company in February 2026 after 39 years of service.
The Walt Disney Company announced this executive transition on Tuesday. Moriarty's appointment marks a significant leadership shift within the Disney Experiences division, which oversees the company's global theme parks, resorts, cruise line, and consumer products.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Moriarty will become the new CFO of Disney Experiences.
- He replaces Kevin Lansberry, who retires in February 2026.
- Moriarty previously led Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
- His tenure at Hong Kong Disneyland included the opening of World of Frozen.
- Lansberry served Disney for nearly four decades in various finance and operational roles.
Leadership Transition at Disney Experiences
The transition plan ensures a smooth handover of financial leadership for Disney Experiences. Kevin Lansberry will remain in his role until early 2026, providing continuity during this period of change. His retirement marks the end of a nearly four-decade career with The Walt Disney Company.
Michael Moriarty brings extensive experience to his new role. He has been part of Disney's leadership for almost 20 years. His background includes significant financial and operational positions across different segments of the company.
Fact: Disney Experiences
The Disney Experiences segment includes 12 theme parks and 53 resorts around the world, along with the Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and Disney Consumer Products. This division is a major revenue generator for The Walt Disney Company.
Moriarty's Extensive Disney Background
Before his current role as President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Moriarty held several other key positions. From 2020, he successfully led the Hong Kong resort through various operational challenges and growth initiatives.
During his leadership at Hong Kong Disneyland, one notable achievement was the opening of the highly anticipated World of Frozen. This new themed land has been a significant draw for visitors, enhancing the park's appeal and operational performance.
"Michael Moriarty brings a deep understanding of our long-term strategy to broaden the reach and impact of Disney Experiences," said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. "His global perspective and leadership will help guide us through an exciting chapter of growth, reaching new fans in new places and on new platforms."
Moriarty's career at Disney also includes serving as CFO at Walt Disney Imagineering. This role involved overseeing the financial aspects of developing new attractions and themed environments for Disney parks globally. He also held a previous CFO position at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Furthermore, Moriarty held various finance leadership roles at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. These diverse experiences have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of Disney's global operations, financial strategies, and growth opportunities.
Impact of New Leadership
As CFO of Disney Experiences, Moriarty will be responsible for the financial health and strategic planning of a vast global portfolio. This includes managing budgets, overseeing investments, and guiding financial decisions for all Disney parks, resorts, and related businesses worldwide.
His appointment aligns with Disney's ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint and innovate its guest experiences. The company aims to attract new audiences and leverage new technologies and platforms for engagement.
Background: The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is a global entertainment and media conglomerate. It operates through various segments, including Media and Entertainment Distribution, and Disney Experiences. The company is known for its iconic brands, storytelling, and immersive entertainment offerings.
Lansberry's Nearly Four-Decade Career
Kevin Lansberry's retirement in February 2026 will conclude a distinguished career of 39 years with The Walt Disney Company. His tenure saw him contribute across multiple divisions and departments, demonstrating a broad impact on the company's operations.
Lansberry's roles included serving as Vice President of Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World, where he managed the retail, dining, and entertainment complex. He also held the position of Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, one of Walt Disney World's four major theme parks.
His responsibilities expanded to a global scale as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Travel Operations. In this role, he oversaw travel logistics and guest services for Disney's international operations. He later became Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Analytics for Disney Parks, focusing on optimizing pricing and guest spending.
Statistic: Long-Term Service
Kevin Lansberry's 39 years of service represent a significant commitment to The Walt Disney Company, reflecting a career that spanned nearly four decades of growth and change within the global entertainment giant.
Interim CFO Role
In 2023, Lansberry stepped into the role of interim CFO for The Walt Disney Company. This temporary assignment followed the departure of Christine McCarthy, the former Chief Financial Officer for the entire corporation. His willingness to take on this critical role highlighted his dedication and financial expertise.
His long career involved a wide range of financial and operational leadership positions. These included Executive Vice President and CFO of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, a role that later expanded to include Consumer Products. This integration brought together the financial oversight of theme parks, resorts, and the vast merchandise business under his leadership.
Lansberry's contributions have been vital to the financial performance and strategic direction of Disney's global experiences segment for many years. His retirement marks the departure of a highly experienced and respected financial leader.
Future Plans for Hong Kong Disneyland
The Walt Disney Company will announce Moriarty’s successor as President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort at a later date. The search for a new leader for the Hong Kong park is underway, ensuring continued focus on its development and guest experience.
Hong Kong Disneyland remains an important part of Disney's international portfolio. The park continues to invest in new attractions and experiences to draw visitors from across Asia and around the world.
- Hong Kong Disneyland opened in: September 2005
- Number of themed lands: 7, including World of Frozen
- Recent major addition: World of Frozen (opened November 2023)
The leadership changes reflect Disney's ongoing commitment to strong financial management and strategic growth across its global entertainment businesses.
