Wing Tao Chao | |
|---|---|
 Chao at theD23 Expo in 2019 | |
| Born | 趙永濤 May 1944[1] |
| Alma mater | University of California, Berkeley Harvard University |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Awards | Pioneer Award (ISHC) Committee of 100 member Outstanding Achievement Award (AIA) Legend Award (Contract Magazine) |
| Practice | Vice Chairman (Walt Disney Parks and Resorts) Executive Vice President (Walt Disney Imagineering) |
| Projects | Epcot Center Disneyland Paris Disneyland Hong Kong |
| Design | Disney Wonder Disney Dream |
Wing Tao Chao (born May 1944) is a Chinese-born American architect, master planner, construction developer, hospitality professional, and a formerDisney Imagineer.
As an Imagineer, Chao helped with Disney's expansion in markets such as China and Hong Kong, handling businesses worth more than US$12 billion. He was with Disney for over 37 years, from 1972 to 2009, and led over 100 projects includingDisneyland resorts, luxury hotels, and cruises.[2] In 2009, he retired from Disney and joinedLas Vegas Sands Corp. In August 2019, he was named aDisney Legend.
Chao is regarded as a pioneer in the fields of hospitality and construction planning and development. ACommittee of 100 member and anAIA fellow, he has received numerous honors throughout his career including the Pioneer Award from the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) and Outstanding Achievement Award from theAmerican Institute of Architects.[3][4]Avenue magazine has included Chao among the 500 most influential Asians in the United States.[5]
Chao was born inChongqing, China in May 1944. He moved to the United States in his teens to pursue education. He lives inLos Angeles, California.[1]
Chao attended theUniversity of California, Berkeley where he received his Bachelor and master's degrees in Architecture. He has a second master's degree in Architecture, majoring in Urban Design, fromHarvard University, where he studied underKenzo Tange, the legendary Japanese architect who predicted theInformation Age.
He was conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration in Hospitality Management byJohnson and Wales University. He also completed post-graduate work in Urban Planning and Real Estate Development atMIT.[6][4]
Chao had originally wanted to study medicine and be a doctor.[1]
Chao began his architectural career with William Liskam Architect after completing his education. He joined Disney as an associate soon after.
Chao joined Disney in 1972. He had unsuccessfully tried to get a summer job at one of its amusement parks during his Berkeley days.[4]
His roles at Disney included: Vice Chairman of Development forWalt Disney Parks and Resorts in the Asia Pacific (1984 to 1997) and Executive Vice President in charge of Master Planning, Architecture and Design atWalt Disney Imagineering (1997 to 2009).[7][8] He also oversaw the development of Disney's land holdings in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris and Hong Kong.[9]
During his time at Disney, Chao led development teams consisting of Disney Imagineers and leading architects and designers on over a hundred projects including Disney theme parks and resort hotel rooms. Chao has also led the design and development of four Disney cruise ships, namelyDisney Magic,Disney Dream,Disney Fantasy, andDisney Wonder.[5] Chao has handled businesses worth more than USD $12 billion over his term at Disney.[4]
Chao is credited with the successful negotiations with French and Hong Kong governments that led to the development ofEuro Disneyland andHong Kong Disneyland respectively.[6] He retired from Walt Disney Imagineering on 30 June 2009.[10]
Resorts:
Cruise ships:
Chao served as a Director forLas Vegas Sands Corp. from July 2010 to November 2010.[10] He continues to be a part of the advisory board.[11]
Chao has appeared in three television shows produced byDisney.[12][13]
Chao has received numerous accolades for his work in the hospitality sector. His works have earned him recognition awards in the architecture and design community.[4]
He is aFellow of the American Institute of Architects which also honored him with the Outstanding Achievement Award. He has also won the Legend Award byContract magazine.[9] In 1992, Chao received the Asian American Architects and Engineers Association's Outstanding Achievement Award.[1]Hospitality Design has named Chao one of the top 20 Hospitality Industry Leaders and Innovators and has also inducted him as a Platinum Circle member. In 2007, Chao was elected into the 'Committee of 100', an organization founded byI. M. Pei to honor American citizens of Chinese descent who have distinguished themselves as leaders in their respective professions. He has also been named one of the 500 most influential Asians in the United States.[5][4]
On January 24, 2018, Chao received the Pioneer Award from the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) for his services to entertainment design andhospitality.[9][3]
Chao was named aDisney Legend at the 2019D23 Expo for his outstanding contributions to theDisney Parks andThe Walt Disney Company.[16][17][18]
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