Disney is considering appointing co-CEOs to succeed Bob Iger, similar to Netflix's model, but experts warn that Disney's complex culture and history of power struggles may make a co-CEO structure unwise, favoring a single CEO approach instead.
Apple is focusing on hardware chief John Ternus as a potential successor to Tim Cook as CEO, while shelving the Vision Air project to concentrate on glasses and preparing updates for the Vision Pro and iPad Pro, amidst ongoing developments like Apple's chatbot.
Jeff Williams, Apple's COO and long-time key executive, is retiring after 27 years, signaling a potential shift in leadership as other top executives are considered for the CEO role. Sabih Khan will succeed Williams as COO.
Disney is set to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings, with Wall Street focusing on its streaming and theme parks performance. Analysts expect earnings per share of $1.10 and revenue of $22.45 billion. The streaming segment, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, recently turned profitable, and subscriber growth is a key focus, especially after competitors reported significant gains. The theme park business faces challenges with flat attendance in the U.S. Additionally, investors are interested in updates on the search for CEO Bob Iger's successor, expected to be named by early 2026.
JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon hinted at his retirement within the next two to three years, causing a 4% drop in the bank's stock. Dimon, who has been a highly successful leader, has set up a succession race among top executives Marianne Lake, Jennifer Piepszak, and Troy Rohrbaugh. Inspired by James Gorman's smooth transition at Morgan Stanley, Dimon may retire as CEO but stay on as chairman, continuing to influence the bank's strategic direction.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has recently overcome a proxy fight and other distractions, but the company still faces challenges in adapting to the changing media landscape, particularly with the decline of traditional cable TV and the uncertain profitability of streaming services. Additionally, the future of ESPN, theme parks, and box office dominance are all areas of concern. Amidst these challenges, the question of Iger's successor looms large, with the board prioritizing the selection of the next CEO. Despite recent initiatives to revitalize the company, including a partnership with Epic Games, uncertainty remains over the factors driving Disney's performance.
Nelson Peltz, founder of Trian Partners, accepted defeat in a proxy battle with Disney but warned that he may return if the company doesn't keep its promises. Peltz expressed disappointment with Disney's board and CEO succession planning, emphasizing the need for a viable succession plan. He also mentioned potential future involvement if Disney fails to deliver on its commitments. Despite the loss, Peltz highlighted the gains Trian made from its Disney holdings and expressed gratitude to supporters while acknowledging the possibility of returning to the fray.
Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger is set to retire in 2026, and the company's board is considering potential successors, including internal candidates Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, Josh D’Amaro, and James Pitaro. The board is also looking at external candidates and is prioritizing the selection process after previous missteps. Each candidate brings unique expertise and experience, but none have run a company as large and diverse as Disney. The board is under pressure to make the right choice as the company navigates a crucial transition to streaming and seeks to avoid an exodus of top talent.
Disney successfully fended off activist investor Nelson Peltz's proxy battle at its annual shareholder meeting, with CEO Bob Iger emphasizing the company's solid foundation and future plans. The scrutiny brought by the campaign has highlighted Disney's struggle to find a successor for Iger, with internal contenders under pressure to prove themselves. Despite lingering challenges, the company's support for Iger suggests that the next CEO will likely come from within Disney's ranks.
Nelson Peltz's activist campaign against Disney's board, backed by former Marvel chairman Ike Perlmutter and proxy advisory firms ISS and Egan-Jones, hinges on the votes of top institutional shareholders Vanguard, State Street, and BlackRock, with BlackRock already backing Disney's management. The showdown revolves around CEO succession and corporate issues, with Peltz arguing for a new successor to Iger and stock improvement, while Disney claims Peltz's efforts distract from the company's turnaround. The institutional vote, especially from Vanguard, will be crucial, as just 33% of Disney shareholders are retail, and proxy advisors ISS and Glass Lewis have taken different stances on the matter.
Bloomberg reports that Disney's Board of Directors is considering four executives, including Dana Walden and Josh D’Amaro, as potential successors to CEO Bob Iger. The candidates are receiving mentorship from Iger and may see the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer or President before his tenure ends in 2026. The new CEO is not expected to be chosen before 2024, and media executives have previously highlighted Dana Walden as a top contender for the role.
Jim Weber, the longtime CEO of Brooks Running, is stepping down after more than 20 years, with company veteran Dan Sheridan set to take over on April 26. Under Weber's leadership, Brooks grew into a $1 billion-plus brand, and Sheridan aims to continue the company's momentum by focusing on global expansion and product offerings. The succession planning was formalized and professionalized, with Sheridan's appointment as CEO being the result of years of preparation. While inheriting a thriving business, Sheridan faces challenges such as an uncertain economy, supply chain disruptions, and steep competition in the footwear market.
The Green Bay Packers have announced a six to nine month succession process to find a successor for President and CEO Mark Murphy, who will be required to retire at age 70 in July 2025. The search committee, led by Packers lead director Susan Finco, will work with management consulting firm Korn Ferry to find candidates and present its recommendation to the Packers' board of directors for approval. The new president is expected to be on board early next year and will undergo a transition period working alongside Murphy, with the goal of being in place for the NFL Draft in April 2025.
The battle for Disney's future intensifies as activist investor Nelson Peltz pushes for changes to the board of directors in preparation for CEO Bob Iger's departure in 2026. Disney has set a shareholder meeting for April 3, where investors will have a say in the company's future leadership. Peltz has criticized Disney's strategic missteps and lack of succession planning, advocating for his own candidates to join the board. Disney, on the other hand, has defended its current board and succession planning efforts, emphasizing its ongoing engagement with shareholders and the addition of new board members with CEO succession experience.
Jim Esposito, co-head of Goldman Sachs' global banking and markets division, is leaving after nearly three decades, raising questions about the race to succeed CEO David Solomon. His departure follows a period of high-profile management and board changes for the Wall Street giant. Esposito's exit could shift attention to other potential CEO candidates, including president John Waldron and asset and wealth management head Marc Nachmann. Goldman is undergoing significant changes as it recovers from a challenging year, with profits down 24% and several other high-profile departures from the management ranks.