Eloi Courcoux
Managing Director of Business Solutions, the Convention and Event Business Unit
14 years in management, international marketing & sales, and communication in FMCG and leisure industries with proven ability to develop break-through strategies and to lead cross-cultural teams to a high level of performance
In April 2009 I was appointed Managing Director of Disneyland Business Solutions, where I lead a team of 240 people, responsible for Marketing, Sales and Production of all MICE events taking place in the Disneyland resort’s hotels, theme parks, and recreation areas. 14% of Revenue growth in 2011.
Previously, I have held a variety of positions at Disney most recently serving as Director of Marketing. In this role I guided the development of strategic events, including the 15th Anniversary Celebration and newly launched Mickey's Magical Party.
“ Eloi Courcoux's broad background makes him the ideal leader for the Business Solutions team”, said George Aguel, senior vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Beyond his proven skills in communications, strategy and leadership, Eloi understands the creative dynamics that help Disney deliver MICE experiences that can be found nowhere else.”
Prior to joining Disney, I was based in Madrid where I oversaw marketing efforts for L’Oréal Paris.
My education background includes a Masters in Marketing Studies and Strategy from the Paris Institute of Political Studies and an MBA from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland.
68 contactsManaging Director of Business Solutions, the Convention and Event Business Unit of Disneyland Paris, Euro Disney SCA / The Walt Disney Company
Manage all Business Groups’ strategic programs and operations at the number one corporate event destination in Europe
Generate $50m annual revenue by producing more than 1000 international events a year and managing 240 employees, 25 000 m² of Business space and 2 convention centers
Lead Sales and Marketing strategies in order to generate interest for the venue and to drive conversion for groups from 20 to 25 000 participants
Launch an innovative visual identity and a new communication platform, integrating the redefinition of the website
Enhance leadership skills through practical approaches to manage people and organizational dilemmas. Formulate an organization adapted to new customers’ behavior to revitalize the Business Unit and to improve performance (+40% in 2011 YTD bookings vs. LY)
2007 - 2009Define annual strategic programs to achieve Disneyland long-term growth of revenue and attendance
Develop concepts, i.e. the 15th Anniversary or Mickey’s Magical Party, rooted in significant consumer insights
and trends to reduce barriers to visitation, drive consumers’ interest and urgency to visit the Resort
Leverage internal and external resources validating potential relevancy through consumer tests, articulating
tactics with Entertainment and Attraction teams and initiating annual communication platform
Define the concept, the storyline and activities menu for Villages Nature, a potential future Disney Resort. A
project developed in a Join Venture with Center Parcs
Lead break-through Alliances marketing activities with Official Participants. Propose and implement initiatives
that generate awareness and revenue for both partners
Drive European Franchises and Synergy projects with the Walt Disney Company lines of business in order to
increase performance of our communication plans
• Develop strong leadership skills by regrouping, reorganizing and revitalizing a team of 10 persons
Senior Manager Advertsing and Media Euro Disney, Euro Disney SCA/ Disneyland Resort Paris / The Walt Disney Company
2003 - 2005Led a multinational team of up to 30 people, building strong spirit and increasing team’s synergy
• Developed $38m annual communication strategies in 7 European countries generating high brand awareness and visitor growth
• Initiated and directed a $42m brand positioning project during Euro Disney debt’s renegotiation increasing sales and mobilizing employees
• Formulated innovative communication campaigns including copy development and media planning, improving key performance indicators
• Managed transversal marketing projects to ensure message’s congruence and performance towards European consumers
• Established strategic planning tools to track marketing effectiveness of European campaigns towards specific target groups
1999 - 2003• Developed the advertising campaign that contributed for the effective launch of the second Disney park in Paris, generating top of mind awareness and creating high visitor interest
• Coordinated the European advertising, supervising a team of 3, achieving market growth in France, UK and Spain
• Implemented advertising and media strategies driving international and local media and advertising agencies, realizing competition and increasing cost-efficiency
• Supervised in-depth consumer research and analysed communication performances reinforcing message quality
1997 - 1999• Defined and successfully executed €4m local brand strategy, increasing sales by 5%
• Launched 2 new products and coordinated sales implementation, producing business growth of 8%
• Introduced and designed the first animated billboard in the Spanish market ensuring rapid brand awareness within a limited budget
