Mike E. Davis Presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who
Mike Davis has been endorsed by Marquis Who’s Who as a leader in the consulting industry
His legacy is defined by his professional accomplishments and commitment to nurturing future generations of creative and business talent in the arts.
EDEN, UT, February 06, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Mike E. Davis with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Mike E. Davis celebrates many years’ experience in his professional network and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mike Davis has built an illustrious career in the entertainment industry, marked by his innovative contributions and leadership roles. As the former senior vice president of international entertainment at Universal Parks and Resorts, Mr. Davis routinely managed teams of over 1,000 employees in his span of control during his long executive management career. His responsibilities included overseeing recruitment, auditions, and the creative, production, and operational aspects of delivering high-quality entertainment experiences. His tenure at Universal Studios from 2017 to 2022 was a testament to his ability to manage diverse teams in international locations and ensure smooth daily operations.
Prior to his role at Universal Parks and Resorts, Mr. Davis served as the senior vice president and executive producer at Universal Studios Japan from 2000 to 2017. During this period, he played a pivotal creative and business role in producing award-winning shows such as “The Spectacle Night Parade” and “The Song of an Angel,” both of which received TEA Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement. His work on these projects demonstrated his commitment to creating captivating live entertainment that resonates with audiences worldwide. He was also responsible for the only 30 minute “Wicked” production authorized in conjunction with the original Broadway Wicked team.
Before joining Universal Studios Japan, Mr. Davis was the vice president of entertainment at Disneyland from 1994 to 1999. It was here that he achieved one of his most notable accomplishments: the production of the Fantasmic show. Debuting in May 1992, Fantasmic became a groundbreaking nighttime spectacle that combined live performances, water effects, and animated projections. The show set a new standard for outdoor spectaculars in theme parks globally. He also served as the vice president and executive producer for the Walt Disney Special Events Company, leading the efforts for Walt Disney Company’s special events, premieres and product releases worldwide. Overall, Mr. Davis boasts four decades of management experience, two of decades with both Disney and Universal, which is a rarity in the industry. He is proud to have created, produced and presented over one billion dollars worth of shows and events during his career.
In addition to his corporate roles, Mr. Davis has been actively involved in various organizations within the entertainment industry. He served as president of Mike E. Davis Consulting LLC starting in 2023, where he continues to mentor and coach emerging talent while engaging in board work. His involvement with the Board of Directors for the Asia Pacific Division of the Themed Entertainment Association further underscores his influence in the field. He also frequently served as a guest speaker for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions and the Themed Entertainment Association in both the U.S. and Asia Conferences.
Mr. Davis’s educational background includes coursework at California State University, which laid the foundation for his successful career in entertainment. He attributes much of his success to the principles instilled by his father, emphasizing honesty, collaboration, and resilience. These values have guided him throughout his career, allowing him to appreciate all aspects of the arts and foster teamwork among diverse creative disciplines.
His early experiences as a child performer in central California sparked his passion for music and entertainment. By age seven or eight, he appeared on local TV shows, singing and playing guitar. This passion led him to record as a backup singer on three albums during high school and tour with a band across the United States for eight years. In 1978, he transitioned into the business side of entertainment by joining Disneyland as a talent casting and booking assistant.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Davis has been involved with civic-minded organizations such as the Advisory Task Force at Biola University and the Board of Directors for Anaheim Memorial Hospital Foundation in 1993. Mr. Davis has also served on the board of directors for the Orange County Performing Arts Center and the Amigos De Los Ninos children’s charity. His dedication to community service is reflected in his efforts to give back through initiatives like launching a scholarship program for arts students at his high school in Bakersfield.
In his personal life, Mr. Davis is committed to sharing his experiences with others in the industry. He plans to engage more actively by joining boards of directors, speaking at local colleges, and hosting sessions at institutions like his recent lecture at Loyola Marymount College in Southern California. Through these efforts, he aims to inspire young artists by emphasizing the importance of hard work, resilience, and embracing rejection as an opportunity for growth.
Mr. Davis’s journey from a child performer to a leader in themed entertainment showcases his dedication to crafting extraordinary experiences that captivate audiences worldwide. His legacy is defined by his professional accomplishments and commitment to nurturing future generations of creative and business talent in the arts through mentorship and community engagement.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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