Philippe Gas Named Leader of Human Resources for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide.

BURBANK, Calif. -- Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, today announced the promotion of Philippe Gas to Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide. Gas, a 15-year Disney veteran, previously served as Senior Vice President of International Human Resources for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Effective immediately, Gas, 43, replaces Meg Crofton, who was promoted to President of Walt Disney World Resort in August. Gas will report to Rasulo and will have global responsibilities for all Human Resources-related services for nearly 100,000 Cast Members worldwide, including employee/labor relations, diversity/inclusion, compliance, recruitment, Disney University training and development, organizational development, benefits and workforce planning.

"Philippe's extensive international experience and his knowledge of our domestic and international operations will be key as we continue to look for opportunities to take Disney's unique form of immersive entertainment to new audiences and new places around the world," said Rasulo. "He is committed to continuing our efforts in providing the right work environment and experience for our nearly 100,000 Cast Members around the world. On behalf of all of our Cast Members, we look forward to his leadership."

Gas was promoted to his most recent position of Senior Vice President of International Human Resources in November 2005. In this role, he supported the Human Resources strategy for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' three international destinations: Disneyland Resort Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland Resort. In addition, he oversaw the company's overall Human Resources strategy in Asia.

"I am incredibly excited to start another chapter in my career with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts," said Gas. "I look forward to my continued work with our Cast Members around the world, who truly embody the 'Disney Difference' that is experienced by our Guests every day."

Gas joined Disney in 1991 as part of the team that opened Disneyland Resort Paris. While there, he served as Finance Controller of the Resort and later became Manager of Compensation and Benefits.

In 1997, Gas was promoted to Director, Corporate Compensation for The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and relocated to the company's corporate office in Burbank, California. Three years later, he relocated to Tokyo and later to Hong Kong, where he served as Vice President, Human Resources, Asia-Pacific. In this role, Gas oversaw the Human Resources strategy of the Company's various businesses in 13 different countries in Asia.

In 2003 Gas rejoined Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Disneyland Resort Paris, where he was responsible for more than 12,000 Cast Members and the day-to-day Human Resources operations at the resort, including labor relations and union negotiations, recruitment, compensation and benefits, internal communications and labor management.

Gas graduated from the University of Paris with a master's degree in European affairs and political science.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is where dreams come true and magic comes to life. This division of The Walt Disney Company encompasses 11 theme parks at five of the world's leading family vacation destinations - Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Resort Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland. It also includes the Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club; Adventures by Disney; Disney Regional Entertainment; World of Disney stores in New York, Orlando and Anaheim; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs Disney parks, resorts and attractions. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts had more than $9 billion in revenues in fiscal 2005.