Overview

• Disney appointed Ketan Sardeshmukh as vice president of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, according to reporting from WDW Magic cited by multiple outlets.
• He succeeds Maryann Smith, who shifted earlier this year to lead Food and Beverage and Merchandise, and he previously served as Walt Disney World’s director of Transportation Operations.
• In the role, Sardeshmukh reports to Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle and Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro.
• Animal Kingdom’s major project is the Tropical Americas land, officially titled Pueblo Esperanza, featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones with a 2027 opening targeted.
• DinoLand U.S.A. has been largely removed with DINOSAUR still operating for now, and Zootopia: Better Zoogether opens at the Tree of Life Theater on November 7, 2025.