Anthony Connelly officially stepped into his new job with The Walt Disney Company as president of the business unit which includes Disney Vacation Club.
Earlier this year, Disney announced that 28-year company veteran Anthony Connelly would succeed the retiring Karl Holz, running its cruise line operations and a number of other vacation ventures. Connelly's role as president of New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line includes oversight of Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, the Golden Oak housing development and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.
DVC vice president and General Manager Ken Potrock will report to Connelly.
Connelly has been with Disney since 1989 and possesses a background in strategic planning, finance, creative development and operations. His previous role was executive vice president, Business Operations and Project Delivery for Walt Disney Imagineering. Prior assignments included an operations role with Disney Cruise Line and Chief Financial Officer for domestic parks and resorts.
Connelly has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a master of business administration from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Holz became president of New Vacation Operations in 2008 and added Disney Cruise Line in 2009. In April 2017 the succession plan was announced with Connelly assuming day-to-day responsibilities effective October 1, 2017.
Holz will retire from the company in Feburary 2018.
