Bob Weis, the former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, is joining architecture and design firm Gensler as its global immersive experience design leader.
Weis stepped down as president of Imagineering in 2021 and was replaced by Barbara Bouza. He left the company last year after 42 years.
During his time at Disney, he created, designed and developed more than 200 iconic projects with a capital value of more than $30 billion.
Weis started working as an Imagineer in 1980, leaving Disney in 1994 to start his own design business. He returned to the company in 2007 as Imagineering’s executive vice president, before being named president in 2016.
Per a release from Gensler, demand is greater than ever for immersive experiences. “We are thrilled that Bob is joining our global innovation design team,” said Gensler co-CEO Andy Cohen.
“A creative design force, his leadership and expertise in entertainment design will enhance the ways people interact with and thrive in the spaces and experiences we create around the world,” Cohen added.
“Now more than ever, design has the power to shape how we experience life. Bob is joining us just as we emerge from the pandemic as people are craving compelling, visceral experiences in the places where they live, work, and play.”
In his new role, Weis will bring to life unique experiences for clients across industries including entertainment, lifestyle, hospitality, retail, sports and culture.
Weis to lead immersive experience design
“At Disney, we often collaborated with Gensler, and I was able to see firsthand its culture of design innovation that transforms the quality of life in our world,” said Weis.
“This is what visionary companies are seeking, and what we all are yearning for as we interact with the world around us.
“Gensler’s commitment to leading the future of design is perfectly aligned with my passion for developing unique, immersive experiences with a diversity of creative voices.”
Images: Gensler / Disney
