The Walt Disney Co. today named George Kalogridis, a former high-ranking executive at Walt Disney World, the new president of Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.

Kalogridis has been chief operating officer at Disneyland Paris for the past three years. Before that, he was vice president of travel operations at Disney World, where he oversaw the rollout of, among other things, the resort’s Magic Your Way ticket-pricing structure that aims to encourage longer visits.

His other roles in Orlando have included vice president in charge of Epcot and general manager of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. He began his career at Disney as a busboy at the opening of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

He replaces the retiring Ed Grier as the top executive at Disney’s original theme-park resort.

“I am pleased that the strong bench strength within our organization has allowed us to make a seamless transition in filling this senior leadership position,” Walt Disney Parks and Resorts President Al Weiss said in a memo to division executives. “George’s operational expertise and strong leadership skills will serve him well in leading the Disneyland Resort during this time of major growth with the continued expansion of Disney’s California Adventure.”

Chip is owner of and webmaster of Chip and Co - Your source for Disney Park News, Planning Tips, Giveaways, and More. When he is not writing about Disney News, or Planning Tips, you will find him counting down the days to his next Disney World Vacation. Watch for him at the 2013 D23 Expo or over on the Chip and Co Facebook Page.