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    Paul Baribault: Transformational Executive Driving Enterprise Growth and Innovation, Entertainment Impact, and Global Conservation

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    Paul Baribault is a distinguished executive whose career spans leadership at the pinnacle of two of the most influential institutions in entertainment and conservation: the Walt Disney Company and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA). With a professional ethos rooted in mission-driven excellence, brand innovation, and strategic expansion, Baribault has earned recognition as a visionary leader who seamlessly integrates cultural stewardship with operational success.

    As President and CEO of SDZWA from 2019 to 2025, Baribault engineered a sweeping transformation of the $1B global nonprofit enterprise. Under his leadership, SDZWA redefined its identity as a conservation-first institution, catalyzing the largest investments in infrastructure and scientific research in its history. He oversaw $300M+ in capital deployment, secured two $110M+ marquee conservation habitats, and spearheaded the establishment of eight international conservation hubs across six continents. His strategic clarity and communications acumen expanded the organization’s media reach from 29 billion to over 428 billion impressions annually— amplifying mission awareness, prioritizing effective storytelling through their new expansive reach, and driving attendance to nearly 6 million visitors per year, and delivering record-setting revenue and attendance growth. All this while operating a complex business exceptionally well. From theme park and experience management to a premier hospital and cutting-edge scientific research institution and university-like setting, his leadership highlighted the scale and vastness of this organization.

    Baribault’s impact at SDZWA was not only financial—though he did grow total assets by over $200M elevating it to a $1B enterprise, doubled operating profit, and reduced liabilities by more than $100M—but also symbolic. His diplomatic leadership facilitated the return of giant pandas to the U.S. in 2024 for the first time giant pandas have entered the country in over 20 years, marking a historic re-engagement with global wildlife conservation diplomacy, navigating the complex political dynamics between the U.S. and China. Furthermore, he reinforced SDZWA’s role as a major economic engine for the San Diego region, generating over $2.4B in annual economic value and supporting over 20,000 jobs.

    Previously, during his long tenure at The Walt Disney Studios, Baribault served as Vice President of Global Marketing for Disney Animation, Pixar, The Muppets, and as General Manager of Disneynature. He co-led theatrical campaigns that delivered over $11B in global box office revenue, including more than $1B in opening weekends. As GM of Disneynature, he produced 14 critically acclaimed films and forged high-impact conservation partnerships, achieving results such as the planting of over three million trees and the protection of hundreds of thousands of acres of threatened habitat.

    Throughout his career, Baribault has consistently demonstrated the ability to scale enterprise operations while advancing social and ecological missions. He built high-performing teams of over 3,000 employees and 2,000 volunteers, instituted accountability frameworks, and cultivated future leadership through in-house development programs. His leadership style blends deep business insight with a passion for innovation, storytelling, team building, and an enduring commitment to excellence.

    Paul Baribault’s board service is as extensive as it is impactful. He is currently a Director of The Explorers Club in New York City and a Trustee of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace High School. Previously, he chaired the Board of the Jane Goodall Institute and served on the Executive Committee of Jackson Wild and was Executive Chair of the Aspen High Seas Initiative at the Aspen Institute. He has also served as a Trustee of Flintridge Preparatory School and as a Board Member of USA Luge.

    Honored multiple times as CEO of the Year—including by the San Diego Business Journal and the Globee Business Awards—Under Baribault’s leadership, SDZWA was recognized for the first time in its history by Fast Company as one of the “Most Innovative Companies” and “Brands That Matter,” and by Forbes as “America’s Best Midsize Employers.” His legacy is defined by the creation of enduring value at the intersection of culture, impact, and commerce.

    Baribault holds a B.A. in Political Science from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Southern California. A former elite athlete, he was a member of the U.S. National Luge Team and an alternate for the 1994 Olympic Team. Today, he continues to serve in leadership networks as a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), San Diego Chapter, and the Chief Executives Organization (CEO). He also shares his insights as a regular guest lecturer at the USC Marshall School of Business and San Diego State University’s Fowler College of Business. He further recently completed an Executive Graduate Business School Program at Stanford University focusing on Innovation and Leadership in a rapidly changing world. 

    Whether advancing global conservation, reshaping storytelling, or serving on boards committed to education and sustainability, Paul Baribault remains a rare executive talent—bold, principled, and relentlessly focused on making a lasting, positive impact.

    Character
    Paul Baribault exemplifies integrity-driven leadership grounded in mission, empathy, and purpose, consistently aligning his personal values with bold organizational goals to create lasting global impact. His commitment to conservation, education, and social responsibility is reflected in both his professional achievements and his dedicated board service.

    Knowledge
    With decades of executive experience across high-profile organizations like San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and The Walt Disney Studios, Baribault brings deep expertise in organizational transformation, brand innovation, and global conservation. His academic foundation from Stanford and USC further enhances his ability to bridge business strategy with social and environmental imperatives.

    Strategic
    Baribault has consistently executed visionary strategies that position organizations for long-term success, such as rebranding SDZWA into a global conservation leader and securing landmark diplomatic wins like the return of giant pandas to the U.S. His ability to mobilize resources, lead capital initiatives, and expand global influence demonstrates a mastery of scalable, forward-thinking strategy.

    Communication
    A compelling communicator and media strategist, Baribault elevated SDZWA’s media reach by more than 1,400%, connecting audiences worldwide to critical conservation missions. His storytelling prowess, honed through years at Disney and Disneynature, enables him to craft narratives that resonate deeply across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

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    Matt Swenson
    Matt Swenson
    Matt Swenson is a tech-savvy individual with a keen interest in the automotive industry. Currently residing in Orange County, he brings three years of experience in the technology sector. His dedication to continuous learning and problem-solving drives him to explore innovative solutions. Matt thrives on collaboration and isn't afraid to seek assistance to achieve the best possible outcomes.