Jeff Vahle, President, Walt Disney World Resort, announced Jim MacPhee, Senior Vice President – Operations / Chief Operating Officer at the Walt Disney World Resort will retire after 42 years of service.

MacPhee has served in a number of roles at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort including Senior Vice President – Next Generation Experience and Walt Disney World Parks, Vice President – Epcot / Walt Disney World, and Vice President – Operations Disneyland Resort.

“Congratulations to my friend and colleague Jim MacPhee on his upcoming retirement after 42 years of making magic at Disney,” stated Vahle on Instagram. “I met Jim as we prepared to open Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He is many things—leader, innovator, friend, husband & father. He is also a beacon for what is great in our Disney heritage. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy inspiring our Cast and helping bring magic to life for our guests. Please join me in congratulating Jim and his family as they begin the next chapter of their story on April 1!”

MacPhee grew up in Ormond Beach and started as a watercraft pilot in 1978 at Walt Disney World. In 2007, MacPhee told The Orlando Sentinel, “I always think of Epcot as the place where Walt’s dreams truly came true.”

MacPhee’s retirement is effective 1 April 2021.