Disneyland Paris hires Morgan as new head of PR

Disneyland Paris has turned to the world of photography for its new

head of press and PR: 28-year-old James Morgan.

’I was appointed because I was different,’ said Morgan, who moved from

his position as the company’s photographic consultant last month.

Morgan first joined Disneyland Paris one year ago. He replaces Alison

Smith, who left last September to join cable TV company CableTel.

Commenting on his new job, he said: ’My main task is working towards our

fifth birthday on 12 April, which will be one big media event.’ Capital

Radio’s breakfast show with Chris Tarrant will be broadcasting live from

the park during the day.

With just one assistant in-house, Morgan has already sought help from a

number of external agencies. He hired broadcast consultancy London

Bureau and The Market Tiers to handle radio, at the beginning of

February. In addition Disneyland Paris has a longstanding relationship

with Biss Lancaster.

Visitor numbers have recovered from a low in 1994 of 8.8 million to 11.7

million in 1996. However, Morgan said that the attitude towards

Disneyland Paris in the UK continued to be ’it’s cold and Florida is

cheaper’.

’From a UK perspective we still have a problem. The messages are still

hard to push through,’ he said.

Referring to the sudden departure of Bourguignon last week, Morgan said:

It’s been an exciting first six weeks.’

However, he dismissed speculation that Bourguignon’s departure would be

damaging to Disneyland Paris, Morgan insisted that the park will

continue to thrive.

’From a personal point of view it’s sad to see him leave,’ said

Morgan.’He was a leader - respected, well-liked and approachable,’ he

added.