RIP Judson Green; Former President of WDW
Some sad news to report: Former president of Walt Disney World, Judson Green, 68, has passed away.
Judson Green. Image: Legacy.com
Judson C. Green, age 68, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2020 at his home in Orlando, Florida after complications related to a stem cell transplant… After graduating from DePauw University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree majoring in Economics and minoring in music composition, Judson went on to receive an M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. He started his career with Arthur Young in Chicago and then was hired by Walt Disney World; ultimately becoming the President of The Walt Disney Theme Parks and Resorts around the world. After almost 20 years with the Disney Company, Judson moved to Chicago, Illinois to serve as the President and CEO of NAVTEQ Corporation. He was a successful business executive who combined his business savvy with his lifelong love of music.
Many, many people weighed in on Mr. Green’s legacy:
#DisneyLegend Very sad to hear of the passing of former @WaltDisneyCo parks Pres. Judson Green. He was a musical genius, and one of the nicest “executives” I had the privilege of interviewing in the 90’s. You can read about his passion for music here:https://t.co/EkCafe38YK pic.twitter.com/uxZFXH2xuQ
— Greg Fox (@GregFoxWESH) September 2, 2020
https://t.co/3SzvQ5CtjL Judson was a good leader and friend of the arts. I got to play in the Holiday Has-Beens with him twice at Disneyland and worked on the DisneyArts program for him. RIP.
— Daren Ulmer (@DarenUlmer) September 2, 2020
RIP Judson Green. Thank you for your dedication to arts at DePauw. Without you and your family’s generosity, the DPU SoM would not be where it is today.
— MT (TV) (@M_Taller) September 1, 2020
Remembering Judson Green — he loved DePauw, and music, and was a great friend to so many. Every time I use a map on my phone I think of Judson, whose company, NAVTEQ, mapped the world, and his work at Walt Disney created magic. RIP to a very good man. https://t.co/us3fVTIZML
— Ken Owen (@KenOwenPR) September 1, 2020
Judson Green accompanies Judy Kuhn on ‘Colors of the Wind’ from ‘Pocahontas’ at a Disney function in 1995. Image: Orlando Sentinel
“It was with sadness that we learned of Judson Green’s passing. He was passionate about leadership and creativity and will be greatly missed by many,” Jeff Vahle, Walt Disney World current president, said in a statement.
Cast members of the era recall Green casually playing the piano at locations such as Pleasure Island Jazz Company and other events.
Green and his wife, Joyce, were major supporters of downtown Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, donating $6 million over the years.
