Jack Lindquist, a longtime employee of the Walt Disney Co. who played a key role in the initial marketing of Disneyland, has died. He was 88 years old. The cause of death was not immediately known.
Hired by Walt Disney to serve as Disneyland’s first advertising manager, Lindquist went on to serve as president of the park from 1990 until his retirement in 1993.
“Jack Lindquist was a Disney original in every sense. He started his career as Disneyland’s first advertising manager, and later served as the park’s first president, a role he always referred to as ‘the best job in the world,’” Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.
“He made sure Disneyland was the Happiest Place on Earth for each guest who walked through the gates, setting the standard for every leader that followed. Those of us who had the good fortune to know Jack will always remember the kindness, humility and dedication that made him such an important part of this company and a true Disney Legend.”
As the first advertising head for Disneyland, Lindquist developed the marketing strategy for the park’s “E-Ticket” program. He want on to lead marketing for Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland and develop marketing strategies for Disneyland Paris.
Lindquist was born in Chicago in 1927. His memoir, “In Service to the Mouse,” was released in 2010.