Disneyland Paris announced on Monday, May 18, that Christophe Murphy has been named President of the resort, effective July 6. The appointment is part of a broader series of senior leadership changes announced by Thomas Mazloum, Chairman of Disney Experiences, as the division navigates a period of transformative growth across its global portfolio.
Murphy, who has spent more than three decades with The Walt Disney Company, originally joined Disneyland Paris in 1991 during the resort’s pre-opening phase and has since risen through every dimension of resort operations, including theme parks, Disney Village, hotels, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverage, and franchise integration. Most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Operations at the resort, he oversaw operational strategy for the launches of Disney Adventure World and World of Frozen in 2026. Prior to returning to Disneyland Paris in 2023, he served as Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney Attractions Japan, working closely with Oriental Land Company on quality standards, guest experience, and expansion strategy at Tokyo Disney Resort.
In his new role, Murphy will lead more than 20,000 cast members across two theme parks, seven themed hotels, and Disney Village. A key priority will be advancing the resort’s ongoing expansion, including the development of a new Lion King–themed area that will further enrich the park going experience.
Murphy succeeds Natacha Rafalski, who has served as President of Disneyland Paris since 2018 and spearheaded the resort’s €2 billion transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World, roughly doubling the park’s footprint. Rafalski has been appointed President of Disney Signature Experiences, the division that encompasses Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak.
Also announced as part of the leadership reshuffle, Joe Schott was appointed President of Walt Disney World Resort, replacing Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after a 36-year career with the company.
Commenting on the appointments, Mazloum said Disney Experiences was experiencing expansion on a scale not seen before in the company’s history and expressed confidence in the newly named leaders’ ability to deliver at scale and build on existing momentum across their respective businesses.
Cover image courtesy of: Disneyland Paris
