The most powerful man in the theme park industry?

Bob Chapek (pictured) has been named the new chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, replacing Tom Staggs who became Disney’s chief operating officer earlier this month.

A 22-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, Chapek served since 2011 as president of Disney Consumer Products. Prior to that he was president of distribution for The Walt Disney Studios and also served as President of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Before joining Disney in 1993, Mr. Chapek worked in brand management at HJ Heinz Company and in advertising at J. Walter Thompson. He begins his new role with Parks and Resorts with immediate effect.

“Under Bob’s leadership, Consumer Products has seen great success, focusing on brands and a franchise-driven strategy while launching new products and retail experiences that combine technological innovation and creativity,” notes Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger. “He is an experienced and versatile executive well-suited to lead Parks and Resorts into the future.”

“Bob is stepping into this role at an incredibly dynamic and exciting time for our Parks and Resorts business,” adds Staggs. “The ongoing construction of Shanghai Disney Resort as well as the new Avatar-themed land at Walt Disney World [Animal Kingdom] continues an era of unprecedented growth and historic expansion.”