After the death of Walt Disney in 1966, the ownership and leadership of the Disney Company shifted. Roy O. Disney, Walt’s older brother, took on the role of overseeing the construction and financing of Walt Disney World in Florida. However, Roy O. Disney himself passed away in late 1971, leaving behind a void in the leadership of the company.
In the aftermath of Roy O. Disney’s death, a team of individuals stepped up to fill the leadership roles at Disney. This team included Card Walker, Donn Tatum, and Ron Miller, all of whom had been trained by the Disney brothers themselves. Together, they led the company for the next decade.
Card Walker, who had joined the Disney Company in 1938, became the CEO and president of the company in 1971. He had a long and successful career at Disney, working closely with both Walt and Roy Disney. Under his leadership, the company continued to grow and expand, with projects like the construction of Epcot Center and the opening of new theme parks around the world.
Donn Tatum, another long-time Disney employee, served as the chairman of the board during this time. He had joined the company in 1956 and had worked closely with both Walt and Roy Disney. Tatum played a crucial role in the strategic planning and decision-making processes of the company, helping to guide its growth and success.
Ron Miller, who had married Walt Disney’s daughter Diane, also played a significant role in the leadership of the company. He had joined Disney in 1957 and had worked in various capacities before becoming the president and CEO in 1983. Miller focused on expanding the company’s presence in the film and television industry, overseeing the production of successful movies like “Tron” and “The Fox and the Hound.”
During this period, the Disney Company faced both challenges and successes. The team of Walker, Tatum, and Miller worked diligently to uphold Walt’s vision and ensure the continued success of the company. They navigated through the changing landscape of the entertainment industry and made strategic decisions to expand the Disney brand into new markets and ventures.
After the death of Walt Disney, the ownership and leadership of the Disney Company shifted to a team that included Card Walker, Donn Tatum, and Ron Miller. These individuals, who had been trained by the Disney brothers, led the company for the next decade, continuing Walt’s legacy and guiding the company through a period of growth and expansion.