Overview
- The change was announced in May as part of a Disney Experiences leadership reshuffle and follows Jeff Vahle’s retirement after a 36-year Disney career.
- Updated Disney leadership materials and multiple outlets list Schott’s effective start date as August 3, 2026, with at least one report citing August 6 and Disney not publicly reconciling the difference.
- Jeff Vahle is expected to depart in late July and Schott will assume the presidency in the first week of August as the handoff takes place.
- Schott is a more-than-40-year Disney veteran who led Shanghai Disney Resort and most recently ran Disney Signature Experiences where he oversaw Disney Cruise Line growth and new-ship launches.
- The transition places Schott at the center of one of Walt Disney World’s busiest development periods with new lands and attractions under construction and D23 Expo appearances to watch for.