Nationality American Name Bill Ernest | ||
 | ||
Born 1950 (age 64–65) United States Alma mater Southern Illinois University Occupation President and Managing Director, Asia, for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Education Southern Illinois University Carbondale | ||
Residence California, United States | ||
Hong Kong Disneyland - 5th Anniversary Opening Ceremony (Part 1)
William "Bill" Ernest (born December 16, 1950) is the President and Managing Director, Asia, for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. He assumed this new role in April 2008. Ernest was formally the Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Ernest was named to the position in January 2006, replacing Disney veteran Don Robinson. Previously, Ernest served as managing director of operations at the Hong Kong resort.
Contents
- Hong Kong Disneyland 5th Anniversary Opening Ceremony Part 1
- Early life and education
- Career
- Personal life
- References
Early life and education
Ernest received bachelor's and master's degrees in hospitality management and recreational management from Southern Illinois University. A high school football player, he turned down a football scholarship to attend the Phillips Exeter Academy.
Career
Before joining Disney in 1994 as general manager of Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort, Ernest opened more than 40 hotels for Marriott Corporation. After the Hilton Head position, Ernest was promoted to general manager of field businesses, where he was responsible for incorporating Disney's Vero Beach Resort into the company's Disney Vacation Club timeshare program. He later served as general manager of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Music Resort and Disney's All-Star Movies Resort at Walt Disney World Resort and vice president of operations and support for Disney Cruise Line.
Personal life
Ernest is married with two children; those children are now grown.