A change of hands on the helm is on the horizon at Disney Cruise Line as Karl Holz announced plans to retire on February 15, 2018. Anthony Connelly has already been announced as his successor as president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations.

As president of New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line, Karl Holz led several key growth businesses for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. In the role, he oversaw Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Disneyland Paris and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, inspiring teams all over the world to deliver Disney’s unrivaled brand of imagination and innovation.

Holz joined the Walt Disney Company in 1996 as vice president of Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort. He later served as vice president of Epcot, then senior vice president of Walt Disney World Operations and in 2003 was named president of Disney Cruise Line. In 2004, he moved to Paris as president and chief executive officer of Euro Disney S.A.S. In February 2009, Holz was appointed to his current position of president, New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line, responsible for determining effective operating strategies for new areas that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is exploring based on leisure trends.

Connelly is no stranger of the cruise line having previously served as executive vice president of operations for DCL. The transition will begin on October 1, 2017.

Connelly will take the helm at a pivotal time with two new ship builds currently in the planning stages with launch plans for 2021 and 2023.