BUENA PARK – There’s a new sheriff in Ghost Town – a former Disneyland executive.

Jon Storbeck, 56, was announced Friday as the new vice president and general manager of Knott’s Berry Farm, effective Monday.

A longtime Tustin resident, Storbeck previously was vice president of hotels and Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. He was also a vice president of Disneyland for nine years. He left the company in January after 30-plus years.

“Growing up in the area, I’ve gone to Knott’s since I was a kid,” Storbeck said. “I love the theme of the Old West and look forward to continuing the momentum.”

Storbeck replaces Raffi Kaprelyan, who was promoted to regional vice president of Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., which owns Knott’s and other theme parks. Kaprelyan, who started his career at Knott’s more than 35 years ago as a janitor, will oversee Knott’s and several other parks for Cedar Fair.

“I’ve known Jon for a long time, and I know he will continue what we’ve done here for the past five years,” Kaprelyan said.

Under Kaprelyan’s stewardship since 2011, the park has undergone a number of changes and improvements, including upgrades of two classic rides, the Calico Mine Ride and the Timber Mountain Log Ride.

There also was a revamping of children-targeted Camp Snoopy, and the addition of the Voyage to the Iron Reef, an interactive ride in which passengers shoot at targets.

On Friday, a revised Ghost Town was unveiled to guests, and the Ghostrider roller coaster will re-open within the next couple of weeks and offer a smoother ride.

As for Storbeck’s plans for Knott’s: “It’s a great opportunity to do things from a theming standpoint, and I hope to continue growing its audience, both locally and from those visiting the area.”

Contact the writer: meades@ocregister.com