Barbara Bouza Named President of Walt Disney Imagineering
Bob Weis announced on Tuesday that he would be stepping down as president of Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), after serving in the role since 2016. Barbara Bouza, who joined Imagineering in June 2020, will take over as president, while Weis transitions into the role of Global Imagineering Ambassador—a position previously held by the late Disney Legend Marty Sklar.
Beginning next year, Weis will focus on mentoring current and future Imagineers, helping develop enrichment programs to preserve WDI’s legacy and establish global best practices, and finding new ways to leverage Imagineering’s storytelling culture in media and publishing.
“I am confident about transitioning into this role now after working with Barbara Bouza over the past 16 months and knowing that the future of Imagineering is secure under her leadership,” Weis wrote in an email sent to Imagineering staff. “Barbara has taken on increasing responsibility during her tenure, and I am continually impressed with her talent, her leadership and the relationships she’s already built across our company. I’m also very grateful to have the full support of Josh D’Amaro, who has demonstrated his commitment to Imagineering time and time again and his belief that WDI is critical to our company’s future and overall success.”
As president, Bouza will lead the global creative, design, and development teams behind Disney’s theme parks, attractions, resort hotels, cruise ships, and entertainment centers. Bouza previously served as co-managing director, principal of Gensler Los Angeles, where she brought strategic design management to clients such as Netflix, Amgen, JPL/NASA, Debbie Allen, and City of Hope.
In November, Bouza spoke at IAAPA Expo’s Amusement Park and Attractions Constituency Lunch, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. During the presentation centered on “Elevating Story Driven Experiences,” Bouza discussed the ways Imagineering is developing more inclusive experiences and highlighted some of the attractions WDI has refreshed or will be updating. Read and watch highlights from the session here.
