Jim MacPhee

Jim MacPhee is a veteran executive in the American theme park industry, with a career spanning more than four decades at the Walt Disney Company. MacPhee began his tenure at Disney as a boat driver and advanced through various operational and leadership roles, ultimately serving as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World. He held key positions across all Disney theme parks, including General Manager of Disney's Animal Kingdom, where he oversaw the operational development and opening of the park. MacPhee also contributed to the launch of Disney's California Adventure at Disneyland Resort as Vice President, Attractions & Guest Services.

MacPhee played a central role in advancing theme park technology, notably as Vice President of Epcot and later as the executive leading the transformation of the Walt Disney World vacation experience through the introduction of MyMagic+. This initiative, part of the Next Generation Experience project, integrated digital architecture, RFID-enabled MagicBands, and mobile app features to streamline guest services such as payments, hotel access, ticketing, and FastPass. The MyMagic+ system received Fast Company magazine's "Innovation by Design" award.

Following the implementation of MyMagic+, MacPhee was promoted to Chief Operating Officer for Walt Disney World Resort, overseeing water parks, Disney Springs, resorts, theme parks, and support organizations including training, leadership development, and workforce management. In this capacity, he led approximately 55,000 cast members across multiple operational areas. During the global pandemic, MacPhee managed the resort's closure, downtime, and reopening, coordinating with local and state government officials on reopening plans.

After retiring from Disney, MacPhee was recognized with a window on Main Street U.S.A., commemorating his contributions to talent development and leadership. He has continued his work in the industry as an author and consultant, publishing the book "Engage, Inspire, Lead: Riding the Waves of Life Leadership Lessons from My 43-Year Career with the Walt Disney Company." MacPhee advises large-scale organizations and C-suite leaders on leadership, organizational culture, and transformation, drawing on his extensive experience in theme park operations and guest experience innovation.