Donn Tatum

Donn B. Tatum (January 9, 1913 – May 31, 1993, Los Angeles) was the first non-Disney family member to be president of Walt Disney Productions. Tatum held senior executive positions with Disney for 25 years and was its chairman from 1971 until 1980. He then served as a director until 1992, when he was named "Director Emeritus". He played a major role in the creation of Walt Disney World Resort, EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland.

Tatum grew up in Los Angeles, graduated magna cum laude from Stanford University, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, and earned two law degrees from Oxford University. He passed the California bar in 1938 and became involved in entertainment law at Lillick, Geary and McHose.

He held a number of co. positions and served as counsel for RCA, NBC and ABC. He became general manager of KABC-TV in Los Angeles and Western television director for ABC.

Tatum joined Disney as production business manager in 1956 and in 1971, became chief executive and board chairman following the death of Roy O. Disney — becoming the first non-Disney family member to head the company. Tatum served as CEO until November 1976 and as chairman.

On June 3, 1980, he retired as chairman and CEO of Disney Production turning over the company to Card Walker. He stayed on the Disney board as executive committee chair.

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