Change is afoot at Disney Parks as Catherine Powell leaves the company after allegedly disappointing results for Galaxy’s Edge.
Catherine Powell, who oversees the U.S. and Paris theme parks for The Walt Disney Company, is leaving the studio, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
As president of Disney Parks West, Powell was in charge of Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Powell was also in her post during the recent openings for two new Star Wars lands — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World in Orlando and another at the California Disneyland park — that fell flat on attendance.
Disney had to follow up the turnout for the Star Wars attraction launches with discount pricing and aggressive marketing.
It’s understood from sources at Disney that Powell’s post has been eliminated, and she will help in the transition as her staff reports to Disney Parks, Experiences & Products chairman Bob Chapek.
Our understanding of the situation here at Fantha Tracks is that her job title has been retired, but there’s likely to be more changes ahead in the Parks division.
