John Padgett is Vice President of Walt Disney World Products and Services Planning and Development. John is responsible for advancing the performance, quality and relevance of the Walt Disney World products and services portfolio in order to respond to the current and future needs of Guests and operating partners, while creating shareholder value. He leads the long-term products and services strategy and planning for all operating and business areas including Attractions, Entertainment, Resorts, Food and Beverage and Merchandise and evaluates investment opportunities based on a balanced and holistic view that incorporates Guest, Operations and Financial perspectives. John has been with the Walt Disney World® Resort since 1996 and has worked in numerous roles in diverse businesses including Sales, Marketing, Travel Operations, Facilities and Operations Services, and Products and Services Planning and Development. Most recently, John led the development and implementation of Disney’s Magical Express, Evening Extra Magic Hours and various other strategic product initiatives. Prior to joining Disney, John was a Business Analyst for Air Products and Chemicals working in semiconductor manufacturing. John’s education includes a master’s of business administration with a concentration in management science and a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. John’s early career was in construction, where he worked as a Field Engineer in Norfolk, Virginia participating in the construction of Hospitals, Museums and Military Facilities. John resides in Clermont, Florida with his wife Bethany and two daughters, Savannah (age 9) and Taylor (age 6). Bethany home schools the girls and has dedicated her life to chartering the course for Savannah’s and Taylor’s health and well being. Working with Dr. Jeff Bradstreet over the past 4 years, Taylor has progressed from the grips of Autism to an intelligent, dynamic, social and athletic young girl that excels in every way. The Padgett family leads a very active life that includes all Water sports, Competitive Gymnastics and Tree Farming.