Press Release
December 21, 2000
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA -- Mark Koehler was named senior vice president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online, it was
announced today by Steve Wadsworth, president, Walt Disney Internet Group and Paul Pressler, chairman, Walt Disney
Parks and Resorts. In this capacity, Koehler will continue to be responsible for building and expanding all of
The Walt Disney Company's online travel offerings, including those for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and
Disney Cruise Line, which are all represented at DisneyVacations.com. Koehler will oversee all planning, development,
creative, technical, marketing, and financial functions, and will report to both Wadsworth and Pressler.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online, a newly formed group, will build on the current success of The Walt Disney
Company's travel-oriented Web sites by focusing on guest recognition and creating new ways for travel agents and
their clients to enhance the guest experience before, during, and after their actual trip.
Previously, Koehler was vice president, Internet Travel, Walt Disney Internet Group. Under Koehler's supervision
and in partnership with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, DisneyVacations.com has grown nearly 300% in total online
volume and has broadened offerings to include car rental and airline reservations. These services are now available
online to both individual and travel agency customers.
``For the past year, Mark has led Walt Disney Internet Group's travel properties through tremendous growth, both
in terms of revenues and product offerings,'' said Wadsworth. ``We know that his experience and talent will enable
our guests and travel agents to have an optimum experience in booking their Disney vacation online and will allow
our business to continue to experience positive growth.''
Said Pressler, ``Our guests and travel partners consistently tell us that they desire greater access, higher levels
of service and more customization when planning their travel itineraries to our Parks, Resorts and Cruise Ships.
Continued development of our online capabilities will enable us to better meet these needs, making the vacation
planning experience easier, more efficient and more personalized. This effort is critical to our long-term growth
strategy and I know Mark's experienced leadership of this initiative will help drive our continued success.''
Prior to joining WDIG in 1999, Koehler was the director of electronic commerce at United Airlines Inc., where he
was responsible for United's Web sites. During his tenure with United, Koehler led online ticket initiatives and
the development and marketing of United's E Ticket product, which is now used by nearly 60 percent of all United
customers.
Koehler holds an M.B.A. and a B.S. in finance from Northern Illinois University.
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Contact:
Media Contact:
Michelle Bergman
Walt Disney Internet Group
818-623-3944