Barbara Bouza, who recently was the president of business operations, design, and delivery at Disney Imagineering, has been named President of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Bob Weis, who has been president since 2016, is stepping down. In a memo, Weis said he will be assuming the role of Global Imagineering Ambassador, a role that was once held by Disney Legend Marty Sklar.
“As Imagineers, we are inspired by our history and by those who helped shape it. Disney Legend Marty Sklar–who was a close friend and mentor to me–served as a visionary leader at Imagineering for over five decades and, ultimately, became our Global Imagineering Ambassador,” Weis wrote. “In this role, Marty was able to invest in our legacy as a way to build our future, mentor and advocate for our talent, recruit the next generation of Imagineers, and help record our history through his writing.
Today, I am excited to announce that I will follow Marty’s lead and assume the Global Imagineering Ambassador role beginning next year. I am confident about transitioning into this role now after working with Barbara Bouza over the past 16 months and knowing that the future of Imagineering is secure under her leadership. Barbara has taken on increasing responsibility during her tenure, and I am continually impressed with her talent, her leadership and the relationships she’s already built across our company. I’m also very grateful to have the full support of Josh D’Amaro, who has demonstrated his commitment to Imagineering time and time again and his belief that WDI is critical to our company’s future and overall success.”
During his time in Imagineering, Weiss Weis has been involved in a number of projects, including the development of Shanghai Disney Resort and the expansion of Disney California Adventure.
Bouza joined the Walt Disney Company in 2020, after serving as Co-Managing Director, Principal of Gensler Los Angeles.
“I’ve known Barbara for a few years, and I’m thrilled to have her join our management team as we lead Imagineering through a time of tremendous opportunity,” said Weis. “Barbara is an extraordinary designer and accomplished industry leader who will be an incredible asset to this organization, as Imagineers continue to deliver innovative entertainment and immersive experiences for guests around the world.”
He went on to say, “the future of Imagineering is secure under her [Bouza] leadership.”
According to Ashley Carter, reporter for Spectrum News13, in advance of Disney moving most of Imagineering from California to Florida “Walt Disney Imagineering is undergoing a change that has included a number of longtime Imagineers leaving the company. Last November, Joe Rohde announced his retirement. And earlier this year, Kevin Rafferty retired after 42 years with the company.” Other prominent Imagineers who have said they will not be moving to Florida include Kevin Lively, who was instrumental in the recent reimagining of the Jungle Cruise attraction.
This past summer, Disney announced that a majority of Walt Disney Imagineering would be relocated to the Lake Nona neighborhood of Orlando. In an internal memo, The Walt Disney Company stated over the next 18 months they will be moving 2,000 jobs from California to Florida.
“This new project will create a dynamic environment to support our expanding business … a brand-new regional campus which will be built in the vibrant Lake Nona community of Orlando,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
The Lake Nona campus will cover nearly 60 acres.
