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Jay Rasulo has the Happiest Job on Earth. As chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, he presides over a family vacation business that spans three continents and includes five world-class vacation destinations, a top rated cruise line and the most popular resort locations in North America, Europe and Asia. During the past 50 years, more than 2 billion guests have passed through the gates of Disney theme parks around the world.

Jay is the architect of the long-term global growth strategy for Disney Parks and Resorts' business. He oversees a broad range of businesses that help make Disney the leader in the vacation destination industry.

The theme parks and resorts include the Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Resort Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. In addition, Jay is responsible for the Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney; Walt Disney Imagineering -- the designers and builders of theme parks, attractions and other facilities and Disney Regional Entertainment, comprising the ESPN Zone sports-themed restaurants.

Jay, who has been with The Walt Disney Company for 22 years, was appointed chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in 2005, after serving as president since 2002. Prior to that, he served as chairman and CEO of Euro Disney, S.C.A., in France, where he was instrumental in turning Disneyland Resort Paris into Europe's top tourist destination. Cementing his reputation as a dedicated business leader and strategist, the Los Angeles Times in 2002 called Jay "… a provocative and passionate leader who understands the cultural nuances of foreign markets." The article went on to credit Jay for "…helping to transform Disneyland Paris."

In addition to his duties at Disney, Jay served as Chairman of the Travel Industry Association of America, the industry's preeminent trade association in the United States in 2006 and 2007. He is the 2008 Travel Industry Hall of Leaders inductee for his work to broaden awareness of the industry's role in creating jobs, economic growth, and cultural exchange. Jay was recognized for his work on the launch of the Discover America Partnership, a coalition of the industry's leading brands, which is dedicated to maximizing the economic and social benefits of international travel. From 2003 to 2007, Jay also served as Chairman of the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, which was charged with recommending a comprehensive national tourism strategy to the U.S. Department of Commerce. He also serves on the board of directors for Euro Disney S.C.A.

Jay first joined The Walt Disney Company in 1986 as director and later rose to senior vice president of Corporate Strategic Planning. In this role, he led strategic development for all real estate-based businesses in The Walt Disney Company portfolio.

After two years as a senior vice president of Corporate Alliances and three years with Disney Regional Entertainment, Jay moved to Paris as executive vice president, Euro Disney, S.C.A. He served as president and C.O.O. before taking over as chairman and CEO in 2000.

A native New Yorker, Jay has a degree in economics from Columbia, and both an MA in economics and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Before joining Disney, he held positions with Chase Manhattan Bank and the Marriott Corporation.

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