Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner and Celebrities Back Iger Amidst Proxy Battle

Things are getting kicked up a notch in The Walt Disney Company’s ongoing proxy battle!

If you aren’t already familiar with the situation, Disney will host its annual shareholders meeting on April 3rd, where investors will have the opportunity to vote for the company’s next Board of Directors. While Disney has endorsed 12 of their own nominees, they’re in an ongoing proxy battle with activist investment firms Trian Group and Blackwells Capital. With just a couple weeks left to go before the meeting takes place, celebrities and former Imagineers are speaking out with their thoughts on the matter.

Previously, we saw Star Wars creator George Lucas back Iger and Disney’s nominees, stating that “creating magic isn’t for amateurs.” As one of the biggest shareholders of the company, he shared that the magic is best left with Disney’s current nominees.

Now, we’re seeing more celebrities backing Iger. Josh Gad shared on Instagram a photo of Iger and said, “What this man has done and continues to do for the Disney Company is unprecedented since the days of Walt himself dreamed the impossible into life. I am fortunate to have seen some of the plans Bob Iger and his incredible team have in store for the future and that future could not be in better hands. Fellow shareholders, join me in supporting Bob and his entire Disney team by voting for them today. Don’t leave magic to people who only understand it as dollars and cents.”

Michael Eisner, former CEO of Disney Television Animation shared a post on Twitter:

As I told @nytimes @dealbook, in 1983, Disney was under attack by corporate raiders trying to take over the company. That would have ended the Disney Company as we know it, for the studio, theme parks, and hotels were suggested to be sold off. The board turned to me and Frank…

— Michael Eisner (@Michael_Eisner) March 22, 2024

Former Disney Imagineering President Bob Weis posted a statement on Instagram, showing his support of Iger and Disney’s Board nominees. You can read the full statement below:

The support doesn’t stop there. Laurene Powell, widow of Apple founder Steve Jobs, released a statement as well — per the Hollywood Reporter.

“My family and I have been significant investors in The Walt Disney Company for nearly two decades, and in that time, we have seen the company transformed thanks to the steady and visionary leadership of Bob Iger and Disney’s expert Board of Directors,” Powell Jobs said. “What has always set Disney apart is the way it combines unbridled creativity with technological innovation to tell timeless stories—stories that inspire and enrich the world around us.”

On the other hand, several CEOs and company heads have backed Peltz and his Trian Group, who are working alongside former Disney CFO Jay Rasulo. A group of former CEOs (those from Wendy’s, P&G, GE, and more) who have worked firsthand with Peltz compiled a statement to show their support of his work and goals for Disney. They shared that they were grateful to have had them on their team amidst past proxy battles.

We’re continuing to monitor the proxy battle, so make sure to follow along so that you’re always in the loop.

Looking for more on the ongoing proxy battle? Click here

What do you think of these celebrity statements? Let us know in the comments.

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