Universal Parks & Resorts has announced that Tom Williams is retiring as chairman and CEO in March 2022. He will be replaced by Universal Creative’s Mark Woodbury.
Williams is retiring as CEO and chairman of Universal Parks & Resorts on March 16, 2022. He started working as Universal Orlando‘s president in 1990, transforming the park into a resort.
He was made chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts in 1999. In his role, he led the development of Super Nintendo World, and contributed to the launch of theme parks in Osaka, Singapore and Beijing.
“Tom’s journey has been the journey of Parks itself,” said Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation, parent company for NBCUniversal and Universal Parks & Resorts.
“His vision and leadership has made parks a vital and vibrant business and has helped define modern theme park entertainment for us and the entire industry.”
Mark Woodbury named CEO and chairman
Woodbury has been with the company for more than 30 years, serving as vice chairman and president of Universal Creative. He will begin his new role on January 1, 2022.
“Mark has unique and essential insight into everything that makes Universal Parks & Resorts successful,” said Jeff Shell, CEO of NBCUniversal.
“Beyond his ability to create incredibly innovative guest experiences, he has tremendous experience with strategy, financials, stewardship of the Universal parks brand – and so much more.”
“He has also been a key part of planning for the future of Universal Parks & Resorts,” Shell added. “All this makes him perfect for this role.”
Last month, Comcast Corporation released financial results for its third quarter, with Universal Orlando reporting “the most profitable quarter in its history”.
“Our results at NBCUniversal continue to be driven by the ongoing recovery at our domestic theme parks, as well as the success of our linear and streaming media platforms,” Roberts said.
Images: NBCUniversal
