Mr. Ernest is responsible for all Disney Parks and Resorts operations in Asia, including overseeing day-to-day operations and expansion plans at Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL), managing Disney’s partnership with Oriental Land Company (owner/operator of Tokyo Disney Resort), and working with Chinese partners to realize a shared dream of building a new Disney theme park in Shanghai.  Bill also plays a key role in developing the overall segment strategy for Asia.   

Mr. Ernest joined the Walt Disney Company in 1994 and has held several leadership positions including Executive Vice President and Managing Director of HKDL and Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Operations, HKDL. HKDL is Disney’s 11th worldwide theme park and Mr. Ernest was instrumental in its opening as well as overseeing two hotels, hiring 5,000 Cast Members, developing operating procedures for the entire resort and serving on the Board of Directors. He also coordinated a task force with government directors that facilitated the operational logistics required to open on time and budget.

Since opening, HKDL has already become one of the most popular attractions in Asia, receiving over 21 industry awards including Most Popular Resort Destination of Asia, awarded by the Asia Hotel Forum in 2008.