ORLANDO, Fla. — Bill Davis, the president of Universal Orlando Resort, is retiring after 15 years in the role, Universal Parks & Resorts announced Wednesday.

​During Davis’ time as head of the resort, he oversaw major projects, including the opening of Volcano Bay and the addition of both Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands.

“Bill is a legend in our industry and here at Universal,” outgoing Universal Parks & Resorts CEO Tom Williams said in a statement. “His passion for our business, for our team members and for excellence have inspired all of us. Orlando team members know Bill has been a constant presence in our parks — and I will always remember my frequent walks through the parks with Bill as we reviewed our business and, more importantly built our friendship.”

Davis will be replaced by Karen Irwin, the current president of Universal Studios Hollywood in California.

The move comes as the company's parks division undergoes major leadership changes.

Last month, Universal announced that chair and CEO Tom Williams will retire next year after 33 years with the company. Mark Woodbury, vice chair and president of Universal Creative will take over as CEO in January. 

Universal also announced that Michael Hightower, senior vice president and executive project director, had been named the next president of Universal Creative, replacing Woodbury.

For Irwin, the new role is a return to Orlando, where she got her start. She has been with the company for more than 30 years, working in a variety of roles, including overseeing food and beverage operations.  Irwin was named president of Universal Studios Hollywood in 2016 and oversaw a number of projects, most recently, the development of The Secret Life of Pets attraction.

Tom Mehrmann, current president of Universal Studios Beijing, will move into a newly created role that has him overseeing Universal Studios Beijing as well as Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood.