Roy O. Disney

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Roy Oliver Disney (June 24, 1893–December 20, 1971) was, with his younger brother Walt Disney, co-founder of what is now The Walt Disney Company. Roy served as the company's chief executive officer (1929–1971), president (1945–1971), and chairman (1966–1971).

Roy was born to Elias Disney and the former Flora Call in Chicago, Illinois. He married Edna Francis in April 1925, and from this marriage he is the father of Roy Edward Disney, who was born on January 10, 1930.

While Walt was the creative genius, Roy was the one who made sure the company was financially stable. After Walt's death, Roy made sure that Disney World would be completed and renamed it Walt Disney World in order to make sure that no one would forget his brother. After Walt Disney World opened in October 1971, Roy Disney finally retired. He died from brain cancer two months later, aged 78.

A statue of Roy O. Disney, seated on a park bench beside Minnie Mouse, is located in Town Square at the Magic Kingdom.

Preceded by First CEO	Disney CEOs 1968–1971	Succeeded by Donn Tatum
Preceded by Walt Disney	Disney Presidents 1945–1968	Succeeded by Donn Tatum
Preceded by Walt Disney	Disney Chairmen 1964–1971	Succeeded by Donn Tatum