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Bruce Vaughn returns to Disney to co-lead Imagineering division

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From 20 March, he will serve as Imagineering‘s chief creative officer.

Bruce Vaughn is returning to Disney to co-lead Walt Disney Imagineering, the segment that designs and develops the company’s theme parks, rides and attractions.

From 20 March, Vaughn will serve as Imagineering’s chief creative officer and will lead the division alongside its president, Barbara Bouza.

“I’ve remained an Imagineer at heart – so I’m thrilled to join Barbara and reunite with this phenomenal global team of creators and innovators during this pivotal time,” he said (via THR).  

Vaughn previously worked for Disney for more than 20 years, co-leading Imagineering for nine years as its chief creative executive. He left the company in 2016 for Dreamscape Immersive, before joining Airbnb in 2021.

Chief creative officer at WDI

bruce vaughn disney imagineering

In an Instagram post, Imagineering said Vaughn will be “partnering closely to co-lead” the division with Bouza. Together, they’ll “focus on delivering next-level experiences with an amazing team of Imagineers from around the world”.

“Bruce will bring his depth of Disney knowledge and extensive experience in immersive entertainment as we look to the future of our global business,” Bouza said in another Instagram post.

Bouza and Vaughn will both report to Josh D’Amaro, the chairman of Disney’s parks, experiences and products.

In a memo to staff (via The Wrap), D’Amaro said the pair will “partner closely to connect visionary creative thinking with project opportunities and flawless execution and delivery”.

Co-leading with Barbara Bouza

“With significant developments under way and more on the horizon, this dedicated focus toward creativity and innovation will help us deliver next-level experiences well into the future,” he added.

“To best accomplish this, they will be working together to swiftly identify the most effective way to structure Imagineering.”

Bob Weis stepped down as the president of Imagineering in 2021 after 42 years with Disney. He was replaced by Bouza.

In November, Bob Iger returned to his role as CEO of Disney. Bob Chapek stepped down.

Images: Disney

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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