Walter Magnuson

About Walter Magnuson

Walter Magnuson, Executive Director of Winchester Mystery House, is responsible for overseeing one of Northern California’s premiere attractions, a national and state historic landmark and one of America’s most extraordinary homes. Celebrated in legend for over 100 years, the Winchester Mystery House has hosted over 13 million guests, plus curious media from the four points of the globe.Honored among the “40 Under 40” for 2017 by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, Magnuson leads a staff of 110 that operate the world-famous tours of the sprawling 160-room mansion, located in San Jose, California. Since 2015, the venerable attraction has undergone a remarkable period of growth, with construction and changes rivaling the era of Sarah Winchester herself. Within the past two years the Winchester Mystery House has debuted its first all-new tour in over 20 years (opening areas never-before accessible to the public) and complete remodel of the gift shop now known as The Mercantile. A state-of-the-art shooting gallery has been added, closer community partnerships have been formed (especially with the Sharks Foundation), and collaboration is ongoing on the paranormal thriller “Winchester,” due in theaters in early 2018, starring Oscar®-winner Helen Mirren.A native of Long Island, New York, Magnuson enjoys an extensive background in attraction/destination administration and operations, including strategic planning, budget management, and business development. Since receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Adelphi University, in Garden City, New York, his unique relationship management, brand sensibilities and aggressive strategy execution led to first-of-their kind leadership positions at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California, the Disney Music Group and the Walt Disney Studios.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Winchester Mystery House, Llc

   Sep 2015 — Present · San Jose, CA, US

   Leading a team of 110 to take the incredible legacy to new levels of showmanship, hospitality and sophisticationDriving double digit attendance growth via new tours, property enhancements, and engaging ancillary activationsUpdated marketing and sales practices including establishing its first-ever menu of distinct special event packages, re-designed website (including first-ever blog) and significant increases in social media coverage and audience engagementRevamped Operations, F&B, and Heritage Marketing departments with a focus on story, efficiency, and growthOversaw complete remodel of the gift shop now known as \"The Mercantile\"Establishing closer community partnerships (including the Sharks Foundation)Secured cross-promotions and tie-ins with the highly anticipated paranormal thriller “Winchester”, starring Helen Mirren

Education

• Adelphi University

  Bachelor of Arts, Communications

Skills

• Management
• Strategic Partnerships
• Loyalty / High Affinity Product Development
• Concept Development
• Television
• Monetization
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Film
• Marketing
• Asset Monetization
• Disney
• Social Networking
• Event Management
• Post Production
• Theme Parks
• Fast Learner
• Broadcast
• Leadership
• Video Post-Production
• Digital Media
• Social Media
• Strategic Thinking
• Integrated Marketing
• Creative Solutions Provider
• Consumer Behaviour
• Social Media Marketing
• Entertainment
• Event Planning
• Influential Communicator