MARK WOODBURY

CHAIRMAN & CEO, UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS & EXPERIENCES, ORLANDO

As of 2023, Universal Destinations & Experiences is the new name for Universal Parks & Resorts. In his role, Woodbury oversees all aspects of the company’s destinations worldwide, including Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort. Earlier this year Woodbury oversaw the opening of Epic Universe, Universal's newest and fourth major theme park in Orlando. Woodbury joined the company three decades ago as a member of the creative leadership team during the original development of Universal Studios Florida. Later, as chief creative officer, he oversaw the expansion of Universal Orlando Resort, including Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay water park, on-site hotels and Universal CityWalk. He previously served on the board of Give Kids the World Village, a Kissimmee resort offering free vacations to families with children battling critical illnesses, and has also worked with the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, which works to find its shelter residents stable, permanent homes.

EDUCATION: University of New Mexico (BA), University of Wisconsin (MA)

HOBBIES: I’m an avid cyclist, semi mechanical, lifelong learner, husband, proud father and grandfather.

INDUSTRY TREND: People continue to value authentic experience — especially in quality time they share with loved ones. With each new technological and creative advancement, we make those experiences more immersive and interactive than ever.