Overview
Francois Leroux serves as VP Customer Businesses & Chief Guest Experience Officer at The Culinary Institute of America.[1] Leroux's career spans entertainment and hospitality sectors, beginning at Cirque du Soleil as Executive Producer and Technical Director from 1989 to 1995,[9] followed by work as Executive Producer in touring productions.[8] Leroux spent eight years at The Walt Disney Company in creative entertainment leadership roles from 2002 to 2010,[7] then served as Executive Vice-President International Business Development at Solotech Inc. from 2010 to 2016.[6] Most recently, Leroux held the position of SVP, Creative Experience and Design at Carnival Corporation from 2016 to 2024,[5] and served as Executive Advisor for Creative, Production, Operation and Guest Experience from October 2024 to January 2026.[4] Leroux holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from the University of Quebec[10] and an Associate of Science in Human Science from College Edward Mont-Petit in Quebec.[11]
Profile introduction
Career Highlights and Summary: Leaving his Montreal home for Europe, Francois played an integral role in Cirque du Soleil’s success in developing and touring shows across Europe, Asia, and North America. Transitioning to the live entertainment division of Endemol, he participated in conceptualizing the hit reality TV show “Big Brother”. After a stint touring major Broadway and Opera productions, Francois spent 8 years leading countless creative projects and teams for Disney Parks & Resorts. François’ vision and execution of the “Castle Dream Lights” is his favourite; the LED light-wrapped…
Career history
- VP Customer Businesses & Chief Guest Experience OfficerJan 2026 to presentThe Culinary Institute of America
- Executive Advisor, Creative, Production, Operation / Guest Experience and Entertainment.Oct 2024 to Jan 2026...
- SVP, Creative Experience and DesignJul 2016 to Oct 2024Carnival Corporation
- Executive Vice-President International Business DevelopmentSep 2010 to Jul 2016Solotech Inc.
- VP, Global Creative Entertainment (Worldwide) / VP Entertainment, Walt Disney World and ParisSep 2002 to Aug 2010The Walt Disney Company
- Executive Producer and PSMAug 1995 to Aug 2002TOURING PRODUCTIONS
- Executive Producer and Technical DirectorDec 1989 to Jul 1995Cirque du Soleil
Education
- Bachelor's degree, LawUniversity of Quebec
- Associate of Science - AS, Human ScienceCollege Edward Mont-PetitLongeuil, Qc, Canada
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