- Card Walker
Esmond Cardon Walker (
January 9 1916 –November 28 ,2005 ), commonly known as E. Cardon Walker or Card Walker, was a top executive atWalt Disney Productions in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. He was born in Rexburg,Idaho .Early life and career
Walker moved to Los Angeles,
California in 1924, where he attended UCLA. After graduation, he began his career at Disney as a mailroom clerk in 1938. Before long, he stepped up the ladder and found himself in the camera department and later became a unit manager for short subjects.In 1941, Walker was forced to delay his Disney career to serve in the
United States Navy duringWorld War II . After the war, he returned to the studio. In 1956, he became vice president of advertising and sales, before being elected to the Board of Directors in 1960.Career with Disney
After
Walt Disney died in 1966, Walker became executive vice president and chief operating officer. When Walt's brotherRoy O. Disney died in 1971, he became company president, serving under Chairman and CEODonn Tatum . In November 1976 Walker took over chief executive officer duties from Tatum, and finally in 1980 became chairman of the board upon Tatum's retirement. Walker himself retired as CEO three years later, in February 1983, but stayed on as chairman until May 1 to oversee the opening of theTokyo Disneyland inJapan .As a top Disney executive, Walker played a major part in the early development of
Walt Disney World inFlorida . He also sought to expand Disney's presence to international territory.Epcot and Tokyo Disneyland both opened under Walker's leadership, and he also presided over the dedications of both parks.Walker continued to serve as a consultant to the company until 1990 and was member of the board of directors until 1999. His contributions culminated in his induction into the
Disney Legends in 1993.Death
He died at age 89 in
La Cañada Flintridge, California .External links
*
* [http://legends.disney.go.com/legends/detail?key=Card+Walker Disney Legends]
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