The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Jim Lewis, President of Disney Vacation Club, was fired from his position on Friday. Lewis had held his position as president of the time-share division since 2006. Lewis’ departure from the company was confirmed by Disney spokeswoman, Rena Langley. While she declined to give details, she said:
“We wish Jim Lewis well in his future endeavors and we plan to announce his successor in the near future.”
This news comes at an interesting time for Disney Vacation Club. Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, is set to open only two weeks from now. The resort will be one of Disney Parks and Resorts’ most ambitious projects, as it is the first major resort that Disney has built away from its theme park properties. The Resort will include 460 units as part of Disney Vacation Club, as well as 359 standard rooms. This abrupt move also comes soon after the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in Walt Disney World announced their expansion, which many speculate will include new units for Disney Vacation Club members. With the global recession and poor economy, however, time-share sales have slumped, despite being one of the fastest growing units of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts just a few years ago. This decline in sales may have contributed to Lewis’ abrupt departure.
Another reason for Lewis’ departure may have come from the recent management shakeup at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Just one month ago, a number of different changes in management occured, including the insertion of Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz between Lewis and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts President Tom Staggs.
Lewis’ successor is expected to be announced soon, and we are interested to see what changes this may bring for the future to Disney Vacation Club.
