Walt Disney Imagineering’s Bob Weis has announced that he is stepping down at the end of this year after 42 years at the company.
Weis, the current Global Imagineering Ambassador and former president of Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), confirmed the news in an Instagram post on 20 October.
“You may have heard I announced today I will be retiring from Walt Disney Imagineering the end of this year,” he wrote.
“I’m very proud of the years I spent as an Imagineer, as president of WDI, and the past year that I have served as Global Imagineering Ambassador.”
Weis was named president of WDI in January 2016 after overseeing all the creative and design aspects of the Shanghai Disney Resort project.
Weis retiring after 42 years with WDI
He started his role as an Imagineer in 1980 and worked on various projects, including the creation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He left Disney in 1994 to begin his own design business, returning to the company in 2007 as WDI’s executive vice president.
In that role, he led the development of Cars Land and other new attractions at Disney California Adventure.
“For me this is a very exciting next chapter,” Weis added.
“I’ll continue writing my book for Disney Publishing on the Marty Sklar Archives, and I am developing a screenplay for Walt Disney Studios.
“But I am also excited to take my experience and use it for worthy projects that have the potential to improve our world. These are exciting times, let’s stay connected.”
“I’m very proud of the years I spent as an Imagineer”
In a separate Instagram post, WDI wrote: “Bob, thanks for your many years of leadership and especially for mentoring and influencing Imagineers from around the world.”
“You inspire us today and your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Weis stepped down as president of Walt Disney Imagineering late last year. He was replaced by Barbara Bouza.
At the same time, the Walt Disney Company appointed Susan Arnold as chairman of the board. She succeeded Bob Iger, who was replaced by Bob Chapek as CEO in 2020.
Joe Rohde, another WDI veteran, announced his retirement after 40 years in November 2020.
Images: Disney
