Hong Kong Disneyland announces appointment of new Managing Director

The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has announced the appointment of Stephanie Young as its new Managing Director.

Young, who has been with the Walt Disney Company for 26 years, previously worked at Hong Kong Disneyland as Chief Financial Officer between 2006 and 2009.

As announced by Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products, during her time at Hong Kong Disneyland, Young worked on the capital realignment plan that made the expansion of HKDL possible. This included the additions of Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Manor to the theme park.

Advising that Young is well placed to carry out the Managing Director role, Michael Colglazier, Asia Pacific president and Managing Director at Disney Parks and Resorts, advised “with Stephanie’s extensive experience in commercial strategy and operations, the resort will continue to be well positioned to capture opportunities from tourism growth in Hong Kong.

"I'm grateful to Sam for his valuable contributions to the resort. Under his leadership, HKDL saw the opening of Disney Explorers Lodge, a 750-bedroom hotel and the launch of Iron Man Experience.

"As the first Marvel-themed attraction at a Disney park, IMX also marked the beginning of HKDL building up a Marvel epicentre in Asia."

Young will replace Samuel Lau, who is returning to Orlando for a role at Disney World in February 2019.

Commenting on her appointment, Young advised "I'm thrilled to return to Hong Kong and work with the HKDL team to further grow the business.

"The city played an important part in the life of my family and I look forward to returning to work with the Hong Kong tourism industry in reinforcing its position as a premier tourist destination."

Young will commence in her new role as of 1st February 2019.