Donna Mirus Bates Elevated to Global Franchise Strategy Role at Universal

WHO:

Deadline - Donna Mirus Bates has been appointed as Global Franchise Strategy Officer at Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Variety - Donna Mirus Bates will report to Vince Klaseus, President of Universal Destinations & Experiences.

WHAT:

Deadline - Bates will oversee franchise management and strategic partnerships for Universal's theme parks, resorts, merchandise, and entertainment experiences.

Variety - In her newly created role, Bates will lead global franchise strategy across Universal Destinations & Experiences’ portfolio of intellectual properties.

WHERE:

Deadline - The appointment is within Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.

WHY:

Deadline - The appointment comes amid a period of significant growth for Universal Destinations & Experiences.

HOW:

Variety - Bates will help shape long-term strategies for franchise management and partnerships.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 04:24 UTC)

Donna Mirus Bates has been appointed as the Global Franchise Strategy Officer at Universal Destinations & Experiences, where she will report to Vince Klaseus, the President of the division. In her new role, Bates will oversee franchise management and strategic partnerships across Universal's theme parks, resorts, merchandise, and entertainment experiences, helping to shape long-term strategies for the company's portfolio of intellectual properties. This appointment comes during a time of significant growth for Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.