|
|
|
 |
|
News Releases
October 3, 2006
THEME PARK VETERAN BILL DAVIS TO BECOME NEW PRESIDENT
ORLANDO, Fla. – Universal Orlando Resort President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Gault announced his retirement today after more than 42 years in the theme park entertainment business.
Gault’s retirement will be effective December 31, 2006. Bill Davis, a theme park veteran with more than 33 years of industry experience, has been named his successor. Gault will transfer his duties as president to Davis on Dec. 5th 2006 and will be transitioning with Davis and the management team for the remainder of the year. Davis will become president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort on Dec. 5th, but will begin transition work before then with Gault and the Universal Orlando Resort management team.
“I love this business, Universal Orlando Resort and especially all of our team members,” Gault said. “And I have been blessed with a rewarding and exciting career. But it is time for me to devote more quality time to my family – especially my six grandchildren.”
“Bob’s passion for our guests and for our team members has inspired and motivated all of us,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Parks and Resorts. “He is an industry giant and a close friend – and we will miss him. We wish him tremendous happiness as he enjoys more time with his family.”
During his time with Universal Orlando Resort, Gault oversaw development and construction of attractions and shows such as Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride and Fear Factor Live. He also helped create programs that lead to record levels of job satisfaction among Universal Orlando Resort’s team members.
Gault came to Universal Orlando Resort in 2001 after serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Universal Studios Japan, where he supervised the planning, development, construction and opening of that theme park. He joined Universal Studios in 1993 as president and chief operating officer for Universal Studios Hollywood. His began his career in the theme park industry as one of the first employees at Sea World San Diego and ultimately held chief executive posts at Sea World in Ohio, Florida and California.
Davis comes to Universal Orlando Resort after a career that includes leadership roles at Busch Entertainment Corporation, including those at Sea World of Florida, San Diego and Ohio. He served as Managing Director for Universal Mediterranea, in Tarragona, Spain, during 2003 and 2004.
“Bill is an industry veteran with strong experience leading theme parks and theme park destinations across the country and the world,” Williams said. “He will be a source of tremendous knowledge and leadership for all of Universal Orlando Resort’s team members.”
|
|
|
|
|