Changes in management at Disney World and Disneyland

Key changes are taking place in the Disney Parks unit.

George Kalogridis

Meg Crofton will assume her global role as president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, U.S. and France, while Disneyland and Disney World will get new leaders starting in February, according to Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs.

George A. Kalogridis is leaving his post as head of Disneyland to become president of the Walt Disney World Resort, and Michael Colglazier, who has run Disney's Animal Kingdom, is being named president of the Disneyland Resort. These changes go into effect Feb. 1, Staggs said in a news release.

"This group of Disney veterans has the knowledge and expertise needed to continue delivering on our legacy of creating unforgettable experiences that our guests have come to know and expect," Staggs said.

Crofton will focus all of her attention on providing strategic oversight of the broader initiatives at the U.S. and France theme parks.

Kalogridis has more than 40 years of experience at Disney parks, including overseeing the recent Cars Land expansion. Colglazier has been instrumental in the planning and development of the Avatar-themed land.

Here's a quick look at how Kalogridis rose from an hourly employee at Walt Disney World to running the entire operation:

1971–1975: Hourly Cast Member at Walt Disney World

1975–1989: Various Leadership Roles at Walt Disney World

1989–1993: General Manager, Grand Floridian Beach Resort

1993–1995: Vice President, Human Resources, Walt Disney World

1995–2000: Vice President, EPCOT

2000–2002:  Senior Vice President, Operations, Disneyland Resort

2002–2006: Vice President, Travel Operation, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

2006–2009: Chief Operating Officer, Disneyland Resort Paris

2009–Jan. 31, 2013: Disneyland Resort President

Feb. 1, 2013: President of the Walt Disney World Resort