Molly Murphy has been named president of Universal Creative, which designs and creates Universal attractions, rides and resorts.
Murphy comes to the role after working at the architecture and design firm Gensler, most recently serving as Principal Principal and Co-CEO of the firm’s New York division. She co-founded the company’s digital experience design practice, which uses interactive and display technology and software to create immersive experiences.
It will start at Universal Creative, a division under the newly renamed Universal Destinations & Experiences unit, on August 14.
“Human interaction and connection are at the heart of the physical design and delivery of engaging places,” Murphy said. “Universal brings this idea to life better than anyone, and I look forward to joining the team as we create lasting, authentic experiences for our guests and fans around the world.”
Murphy has a Master of Architecture and an MBA from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
“Molly has an energy and proven skill set that will further enhance our ability to deliver the most immersive stories and experiences to our guests,” said Mark Woodbury, President and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “Our focus on expanding the Universal brand to new people, in new places and on new platforms is well underway. His ability to combine technology with architecture, branding and design will help take our great product to even higher levels.”
Universal recently announced plans to open two new original experiences: a theme park in Fresco, Texas and a horror experience in Las Vegas. The theme park in Texas will be smaller and will be aimed at families with small children. The company purchased 97 acres of land for the park, which it says is “intended to have a completely different look, feel and scale than Universal’s existing parks.”
The Las Vegas experience is described as a year-round horror attraction based on Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights franchise. The attraction will be based on a 20-acre portion of Area16, an arts and entertainment complex near the Las Vegas Strip.
The company opened the immersive Super Nintendo World theme park at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 17.
