![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/Wing_T._Chao.png/640px-Wing_T._Chao.png&w=640&q=50)
Wing T. Chao
American architect, master planner, construction developer and hospitality professional / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wing Tao Chao (born May 1944) is a Chinese-born American architect, master planner, construction developer, hospitality professional, and a former Disney Imagineer.
Wing Tao Chao | |
---|---|
![]() Chao at the D23 Expo in 2019 | |
Born | 趙永濤 May 1944[1] |
Nationality | American |
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 |
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 including Disneyland resorts, luxury hotels, and cruises.[2] In 2009, he retired from Disney and joined Las Vegas Sands Corp. In August 2019, he was named a Disney Legend.
Chao is regarded as a pioneer in the fields of hospitality and construction planning and development. A Committee of 100 member and an AIA 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 the American Institute of Architects.[3][4] Avenue magazine has included Chao among the 500 most influential Asians in the United States.[5]