Lee Cockerell

Lee Cockerell retired as the Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, a position he held for ten years. His responsibilities encompassed a diverse mix of operations, which included 20 resort hotels with over 24,000 Guest rooms, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 5 golf courses, a shopping village & nighttime entertainment complex, the ESPN Sports Complex and the ancillary operations support functions.

Cockerell joined the Disney organization in July 1990 as Director of Food and Beverage and Quality Assurance for the Disneyland Paris hotels. Prior to joining the Walt Disney World Co., he spent seventeen years in various executive positions with the Marriott Corporation and eight years with Hilton Hotels.

Cockerell is the best-selling author of four books on leadership, management and world class customer service: "Creating Magic…10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney", which is available in 21 languages; "The Customer Rules...The 39 Essential Rules for Delivering Sensational Service," available in 15 languages; "Time Management Magic: How to Get More Done Every Day"; and "Career Magic: How to Stay on Track to Achieve a Stellar Career."

Cockerell and his wife Priscilla reside in Orlando, Florida. He enjoys teaching leadership, management and service excellence seminars, traveling, dining out and most of all spending time with his three grandchildren, Jullian, Margot, and Tristan.