Bob Iger Implores Shareholders to Vote For Disney’s Board Candidates
Disney CEO Bob Iger has recorded a new video message for shareholders urging them to vote for the Disney slate of board candidates ahead of the company’s upcoming annual meeting.
In the video, Iger is interspersed with images of Disney’s studios, clips from popular films, and footage from inside Disney Parks.
Iger began his plea by acknowledging the obstacles he has faced since his return to the company and restating his optimism about the future.
“It has been a busy and challenging time since I returned to the company, but we have made significant progress, and I am enormously optimistic about our future,” he began.
“Over the past year, we have assembled a new team of experienced leaders, and we’ve created a much more efficient and highly effective company structure.”
Iger Touts Strong Earnings and Shareholder Value
Iger then continued on, touting the company’s strong Q1 earnings report and the growth initiatives it has on the horizon.
The company’s goal, he said, is for Disney to be one of the most admired entertainment companies in the world while delivering shareholder value.
Noting that Disney has plans for another dividend payment as well as a stock buyback, Iger assured shareholders that Disney’s leadership was on the right path.
Unnecessary Distractions
Turning his attention to Nelson Peltz and Blackwells, Iger bluntly stated proxy battles were unnecessary distractions.
“The major distractions we’re facing from activist investors are exactly what we don’t need,” he said.
By voting for Disney’s candidates with the white proxy card, Iger assured shareholders that they “have the power to make sure we are able to continue our momentum from the last year and ensure the success of the Walt Disney Company as the world’s leading and most beloved entertainment company.”
Disney’s Goals
Finally, Iger laid out Disney’s goals for the future. With an experienced and highly motivated leadership team, the Disney CEO wants to see the company improve the quality of films it produces, transition ESPN into a preeminent digital sports platform, turn streaming into a significant growth business with increased reach and strong margins, and turbo-charge growth in the Experiences business.
“The opportunities before us are very exciting, and we know that we have the strategy, the talent, the resources, and determination to be successful,” he concluded.
NEW: In a new video, Disney CEO Bob Iger addresses shareholders saying their vote is “important to Disney’s future.” He also said the “major distractions we’re facing from activist investors are exactly what we don’t need.” pic.twitter.com/qRBURJSygk
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) February 12, 2024
With Disney’s annual meeting set to take place on April 3 and two proxy battles underway, Iger and the Disney brass are rallying as much support as possible. Buoyed by the company’s strong earnings report, it looks like Iger may be able to vanquish Peltz and Blackwells once and for all.