Joined: Feb 21, 2006 Posts: 4196 Location: Sanford, Fl
Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 3:50 pm Post subject: Ed Grier, Disneyland Resort President resigned
Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier plans to retire effective Friday after three years of leading a major theme-park expansion and weathering a stormy debate over housing near theme parks.
Grier today announced he would leave his job overseeing Orange County’s largest private employer with about 20,000 workers at two theme parks, three hotels and a retail-entertainment complex. A replacement has yet to be named, said Lisa Haines, vice president of Disneyland Resort communications.
“I have been humbled and honored during the past three years as I’ve watched your hard work create smiles and laughter, and delight our Guests. The power of Disney magic never ceases to amaze me, and your passion will always be a source of inspiration,” Grier wrote in a memo to employees.
(Disney today also named a new studios chief — read about it by clicking here.)
He declined interview requests today (To learn more abut Grier, click here for a short bio).
The Disneyland Resort job concludes a 28-career with the company, where he started as a senior auditor at Walt Disney World and ended up working in nearly every Disney theme park.
Grier, 54, stated that he has been considering the move for about a year in the memo. Haines said Grier has been discussing the possibility over the last few months with his superiors.
“One defining moment came when my wife and I moved our youngest son into his dorm at Stanford this fall. It was an opportunity to reflect on the past and consider the next chapter of our own lives,” said Grier, who has three sons. “I have had a long and rewarding career with the Walt Disney Company, and am excited to explore what’s next.”
Grier plans to help his son, Michael, who is in film school at Chapman University, with a post-production company that he recently started in Orange.
During Grier’s tenure, the resort began a $1-billion expansion of Disney’s California Adventure and constructed the company’s first West Coast timeshare units at the Grand Californian Hotel, which opened last month. Grier also helped lead Disney’s fight against the Anaheim City Council, which was considering a major housing development near Disney property. The developer eventually backed out of the proposal.
Grier’s retirement comes at a time when Disneyland Resort’s theme parks have experienced a 10-percent hike in attendance in the most recent quarter compared to the prior year, faring better than other Disney parks. However, revenue at all parks has dropped, according to the company’s most-recent financial report.
Disneyland had about 14.7 million visitors last year — the second-highest at a theme park in the world, according to the Themed Entertainment Association.
Charles Ahlers, president of the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, said he was surprised Grier is leaving, but that Grier made a major impact with the expansion efforts.
“Ed is a crucial guy to the city of Anaheim and the whole economic fabric,” Ahlers said. “Those are big projects with lots of money and lots of ramifications to the marketplace. He clearly was in a powerful position.”
Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle said Grier cooperated with the city on major issues, including transportation, housing and venue expansions, during his tenure.
“There have been a lot of critical points that we worked directly with Ed on. And he has been a very good partner in that whole process,” Pringle said.
Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ worldwide operations, lauded Grier for his efforts both at the park and in the community.
“Ed’s leadership style has facilitated a culture of collaboration that has earned him the respect of the community and the Cast,” Weiss stated in a memo to employees.
Al Lutz, editor of MiceAge.com, a Disney watchdog blog, said Grier was known more as a behind-the-scenes leader, instead of regularly going to the theme parks like his predecessor.
Grier’s departure comes as a shake-up is underway at Walt Disney Studios, where chief nostril Cook left last month. Lutz said he expects other shake-ups will come in other Disney divisions.
From what I've read on a few other sites, this really isn't shocking news... apparently Grier didn't have a lot of "fans" online... But I'm not familiar with Grier or the real upper level workings of DLR (have a hard enough time complaining about the WDW upper levels)... Is this good news, bad news, shocking news, "I knew it was coming" news...? _________________ Up or Down North, South, East, or West An Adventurer's Life is Best!
Joined: May 27, 2007 Posts: 300 Location: Connecticut, USA
Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 8:00 am Post subject:
I am not sure if it is good or bad news. I know he was not liked by many because he did not have the same style as his predecessor who was extremely good and approachable. Matt Quimet really understood the Disney Mystique and walked the parks greeting people and talking to the employees. Ed generally stayed away from the park and that counts as a strike to most Disney purists. Comparing him to Matt, while not fair, does not help his image. Also, he was known to take avantage of the "executive perks" and the current story is how he had a central spot reserved for him and the family on the openning night of the new fireworks show and Fantasmic (without Murphy.) That was seen by many as snobbish.
Having said that, the work that took place while he was in charge was generally quite impressive. How much he or Lassiter was in coming up with the ideas, he was willing to run with the ideas and they did make changes that were enjoyed by many. He did not penny pinch like Pressler or open a new store every other week. The ideas for DCA and the level of operations started by Matt Quimet would have been easy to cut for the bottom line but Mr. Grier kept them up and did work to keep things clean and new.
My personal opinion is that he did an ok job. I think he would have preferred a quiet spot in the background or perhaps the VP slot but was forced into the limelight and ran with it as best he could. I think he enjoyed the work but felt uncomfortable with the attention it placed upon him.
It will be interesting to see whom they put into that slot. I hope it is someone with multiple years working IN the parks and who enjoys Disneyland, rather than just viewing it as a career position.
Now, having said all that, where should I send my resume?
While there is something to be said about being behind the scenes directing things, there is so much more to be said for talking to your employees and guests...
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Utilidors Audio Broadcasting / Utilidors.com / uabmagic.com are in no way affiliated with, endorsed or promoted by the Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries.
All Music and requestable media Copyright the Walt Disney Company or their respective artists / Composers.
