NEWS: Universal Parks & Resorts Chair and CEO to Retire in 2022

If you’re a big fan of Harry Potter, Marvel, or even Super Nintendo you might find yourself thinking about a trip to one of Universal Studios parks around the world.

Over the past year and a half, Universal Orlando’s two theme parks have reopened, guests have returned to Universal Studios Hollywood, and a brand new immersive land — Super Nintendo World — officially opened in Universal Studios Japan. And, it looks like more change is on the horizon for Universal Parks & Resorts!

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Universal Parks & Resorts Chair and CEO, Tom Williams, has announced that he will be retiring on March 16th, 2022. The current Vice Chair, Mark Woodbury, will step into the role a few months prior to Williams’ retirement on January 1st, 2022.

Williams has been with the company for 33 years now, becoming the president of Universal Studios Florida in 1990 and then being promoted to Universal’s Parks & Resorts in 1999. In his tenure, he has overseen the debut of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, the opening of Universal’s three international theme parks, and more.

Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

His successor, Woodbury, brings previous experience with creating Universal’s rides, lands, theme parks, hotels, and even CityWalk entertainment districts to the new role.