Multiple Top Execs. Leave Universal Creative, Opt for Early Retirement

In a stunning shake-up, several senior executives are out at Universal Creative. This division of Comcast, that is equivalent to Walt Disney Imagineering, is responsible for attractions, shows and experiences throughout Universal Parks worldwide. Because they are so essential to Guest experiences at Universal, it makes the retirement of these key individuals even more shocking.

As reported by The Wrap, Thierry Coup, senior VP and Chief Creative Officer, is out. Coup oversaw the construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, one of the most successful additions to Universal Studios Florida. Coup is also a former Disney Imagineer, who “worked on the Euro Disney project outside of Paris (now known as Disneyland Paris)”. Additionally, Mike Hightower, president of Universal Creative, and Mike Harrington, VP of Engineering and Safety at Universal Studios Florida, are taking an early retirement. It is said that these individuals “opted to take voluntary early retirement packages”, and quietly leave the company.

NBCUniversal recently launched an early retirement plan, and it is believed at this time that these executives are a casualty of the new initiative. The retirement packages are offered to employees who have not only worked at the company for 10+ years, but are also over age 57. Individuals close to the situation stress that succession training has been ongoing, and there are transition plans in place to help fulfill these vacancies as smoothly as possible. (The Wrap)

It is too early to see how this company shuffle at Universal Creative will effect the company moving forward. With huge plans on the horizon, like the opening of Epic Universe in Orlando scheduled for 2025, we will have to see how things develop moving forward.

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