Big changes are coming to the Disney leadership team, and it’s a move that’s sure to spark conversations among fans and industry watchers alike. Disney has announced that Kevin Lansberry, the longtime Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Disney Experiences, will retire next year, with Michael Moriarty stepping into his role. But here’s where it gets interesting: Moriarty, currently the President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, is no stranger to Disney’s financial and operational complexities, having held leadership positions for nearly two decades. His journey includes stints as CFO at Walt Disney Imagineering and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, as well as finance leadership roles at Walt Disney World Resort. During his tenure at Hong Kong Disneyland, the park celebrated the opening of the highly anticipated World of Frozen, a testament to his ability to drive growth and innovation.
Lansberry’s retirement in February 2026 marks the end of a remarkable 39-year career with The Walt Disney Company. His legacy is vast, spanning roles such as Vice President of Downtown Disney, VP of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Senior VP of Worldwide Travel Operations, and even interim CFO for the entire company in 2023. His departure leaves big shoes to fill, but Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro is confident in Moriarty’s capabilities. D’Amaro praised Moriarty for his ‘deep understanding of our long-term strategy to broaden the reach and impact of Disney Experiences,’ highlighting his global perspective as a key asset for the company’s next chapter of growth.
And this is the part most people miss: while Moriarty’s appointment seems like a natural progression, it also raises questions about the future direction of Disney’s financial strategy. Will his experience in international markets like Hong Kong influence how Disney approaches its global expansion? Or will he focus more on domestic growth and digital platforms? These are the kinds of debates that could divide opinions among Disney enthusiasts and industry analysts.
Disney has yet to announce who will succeed Moriarty at Hong Kong Disneyland, leaving fans curious about the next leader of one of Asia’s most iconic theme parks. As we await further updates, one thing is clear: this leadership shuffle is more than just a corporate announcement—it’s a glimpse into Disney’s future. What do you think about Moriarty’s appointment? Is he the right person to steer Disney’s financial ship in an increasingly competitive landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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