BREAKING: The Walt Disney Company Board Announces Two New Directors
We have some late-breaking news from The Walt Disney Company Board this evening as they have just announced the appointment of two new directors.
The new directors are James P. Gorman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley, and Sir Jeremy Darroch, a veteran media executive and former Group Chief Executive of Sky.
The search for these two new directors for The Walt Disney Company Board started this past April. After months of searching, Gorman was selected for his leadership role in one of the largest financial institutions in the world. Darroch was selected for his accomplishments in the international media and consumer product sectors.
“James and Jeremy are both widely respected leaders in their industries, and their expertise will complement the talents and experience of the Disney board as we continue to focus on delivering for consumers and shareholders alike,” said Mark G. Parker, Chairman of the Board, The Walt Disney Company. “In the 14 years that James has been CEO of Morgan Stanley, he has overseen a strategic transformation of the institution and delivered significant shareholder value, and was integral to Morgan Stanley’s well-managed succession process over the past year,” Parker said. “Jeremy brings extensive leadership in the international media business, and during his tenure at Sky, he led Sky’s successful transition from a linear satellite broadcaster to one of Europe’s largest multi-platform TV providers.”
“Disney stands apart, both in its creative excellence and its deep connection with consumers,” said Gorman. “It is an incredible opportunity to join this accomplished board of directors, and to lend my experience and perspective as the company implements its strategic vision to build for the future.”
“I am thrilled to join the board of directors of one of the most beloved brands in the world at such a pivotal moment for the company,” said Darroch. “I look forward to working closely with my fellow board members to advise Disney’s executive leadership on the implementation of their strategic priorities designed to drive sustained growth and create long-term shareholder value.”
Gorman and Darroch will appear as nominees on the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders proxy statement.
One open spot on The Walt Disney Company Board comes from the current Director, Francis A. deSouza, stepping away to pursue new endeavors requiring his full attention.
About James P. Gorman
Per Disney:
James Gorman became Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley in January 2010 and Chairman in January 2012, and he will assume the role of Executive Chairman on January 1, 2024. He joined the firm in February 2006 and was named Co-President in December 2007. Before joining Morgan Stanley, Gorman held executive positions at Merrill Lynch. As CEO and Chairman of Morgan Stanley, Gorman has an established record driving strategic transformation of a global financial institution with a long-term sustainable business model. Gorman has successfully executed innovative technological strategies leading the acquisition and integration of online trading platform E-Trade, and will provide key perspectives as Disney leverages technology to advance its strategy. Through his roles at Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and as former President of the Federal Advisory Council to the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, Gorman also brings deep finance management, investment and fiduciary expertise evaluating businesses. Gorman earned a bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Melbourne and an M.B.A. from Columbia University.
About Sir Jeremy Darroch
Per Disney:
Sir Jeremy Darroch is the former Executive Chairman and Group Chief Executive of Sky. He joined Sky as Chief Financial Officer in 2004 and was promoted to Group Chief Executive in 2007, and served as Executive Chairman in 2021. As Group Chief Executive of Sky, Darroch led the company’s tremendous growth and transformation from a linear satellite broadcaster into one of Europe’s largest multi-platform TV providers. His experience will lend valuable insights to Disney’s board and management in navigating the strategic expansion of DTC offerings and changing media and entertainment landscapes, as well as perspectives on creative content investment and brand evolution. As the former CFO of Sky, Darroch also has extensive expertise in finance, accounting and risk management. He is a director and the pending Chairman of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc. Darroch was knighted by King Charles III in June. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Hull.
Darroch will officially join The Walt Disney Company Board, effective January 9, 2024, while Gorman’s first day as officially being on the Board is February 5, 2024.
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Image/Source Credit: The Walt Disney Company