The AP has an interesting interview with Bob Iger, the designated next CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Iger appears to be focused on making both sides of the Disney legacy debate happy with his comments. So I wouldn’t read too much into this. His actions will speak louder than his words. For instance, if he believes in a team approach to leadership how will he involve those who feel the company has lost its sense of direction and/or wandered away from the path that was set down by Walt. Nearly all of these voices have either been pushed out or jumped ship in the last decade. From animators to imagineers to themepark cast members, the ranks of longtime Disney company experienced talent has been considerably deminished. One of Iger’s first steps should be to figure out how to bring back these lost sheep. Doing so is an important step in the direction of restoring the golden sheild of quality family entertainment that used to be the company’s marquee.
