Former Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis has been named Chief Operating Officer of Marilyn Monroe Spas where he re-joins some familiar coworkers.
Lewis was once viewed as a rising star within The Walt Disney Company. Joining the company in 1996, his titles included Vice President of Finance and Vice President of Business Development. As President of the Disney Vacation Club unit, he shepherded the timeshare division through a period of explosive growth in the early part of the 21st century. His career with Disney came to an abrupt end in August 2011 when accounting irregularities surrounding the Aulani resort project in Hawaii lead to the departure of Lewis and two other executives.
In 2013 Lewis was named Vice President and Regional General Manager of Operations for Wal-Mart stores in Central Florida.
Lewis' new gig with Marilyn Monroe Spas finds him reunited with familiar faces from his time with The Mouse.
Marilyn Monore Spas was formed in 2012 by then co-chairmen Niki Bryan and Al Weiss. Bryan (now Niki T. Kearn) is the founder of Niki Bryan Spas. For years Niki Bryan Spas was the operator of the two most expansive spa facilities at Walt Disney World, operations located at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. In 2012 Disney and Niki Bryan Spas parted ways, with Disney assuming managerial control of the spa locations.
Saratoga Springs--the largest Disney Vacation Club timeshare property--opened in May 2004 during Lewis' tenure as DVC head.
Al Weiss spent 39 year with The Walt Disney Company, starting as an 18-year old hourly worker at Walt Disney World and retiring in 2011 from his post as President of Worldwide Operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resort.
Lewis will replace Niki (Bryan) Kearn as CEO of Marilyn Monroe Spas, and will also serve on the Board of Directors. Kearn will remain as a member of the Board of Directors. Weiss currently serves as Chairman of the Board.
Marilyn Monroe Spas currently operates ten facilities with locations in California, Florida, Hawaii and New York. The company recently secured $20 million of investment capital and plans to grow the brand via both organic growth and franchise opportunities. For details visit MarilynMonroeSpas.com.
