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tom staggs

Bob Iger’s Excellent RV Adventure is Postponed

If you’ve ever seen those large lumbering Recreational Vehicles (RV) driving through Walt Disney World, there’s a good chance they’re on their way to Fort Wilderness. Families and retirees share the tradition of driving cross-country to spend some quality time in Disney’s campground, living in… Read More »Bob Iger’s Excellent RV Adventure is Postponed

Disney CEO Bob Iger made a mere $44.9 million in 2015

The Chair and CEO of the Walt Disney Company’s 2015 compensation package was revealed in an SEC filing yesterday. He collected $44.9 million, which is actually down 3.4% from 2014. According to the document, Iger’s base salary is $2.5 million with the rest coming in… Read More »Disney CEO Bob Iger made a mere $44.9 million in 2015

Disney CFO Jay Rasulo to Step Down

While the Walt Disney Company has yet to announce an official successor for current CEO Bob Iger, the path just became much clearer for COO Tom Staggs. His closest rival was CFO Jay Rasulo, however he just announced he’ll step down at the end of… Read More »Disney CFO Jay Rasulo to Step Down

Bob Chapek moves from Disney Stores to Disney Parks Chair

bob_chapek_twdc-chair-disney-parks-disWhen Tom Staggs was announced as Chief Operating Officer, it was mentioned he’d retain control of the Disney Parks division until a successor could be found. I think everyone had a 6 to 12 month timeline on that, but Disney can move fast when it wants to.

Effective today Bob Chapek has been named Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Chapek is a 22-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, having served since 2011 as President of Disney Consumer Products, driving a technology-led transformation of the Company’s consumer products, retail and publishing operations. Prior to that he managed Disney’s Home Video/DVD division.

If this move seems familiar it’s because Disney already tried this once with moving Paul Pressler from President of the Disney Stores to Disneyland (and then Disney Parks). The implication that the parks are little more than giant Disney stores is clear. Paul and his successor Cynthia Harriss were never quite able to shake themselves of the rules of retail and took their eyes off the real important things at the theme parks. I have a few suggestions for Bob on how to avoid that fate at the end of this article.

It’s true that this could be a move to expand Bob’s horizons and groom him for additional responsibility within the company. The good news is that merchandise mix at the parks is one thing the parks are generally doing well (the Big Hero 6 mix was a failure, alas). I don’t know much about Bob, this could a perfect fit for him, and I hope it is, but history hasn’t been kind on similar moves.

“Under Bob’s leadership, Consumer Products has seen great success, focusing on brands and a franchise-driven strategy while launching new products and retail experiences that combine technological innovation and creativity,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said. “He is an experienced and versatile executive well-suited to lead Parks and Resorts into the future.”Read More »Bob Chapek moves from Disney Stores to Disney Parks Chair

Breaking: Thomas Staggs named COO of The Walt Disney Company

This just in. Thomas Staggs has been named the new Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company. This makes him the front runner for replacing Bob Iger. More later,  the full press release is below: Thomas O. Staggs has been named Chief Operating Officer… Read More »Breaking: Thomas Staggs named COO of The Walt Disney Company

Disney CEO and Chair Bob Iger Extends Contract through June 2018

Tom Staggs between Imagineer Joe Rohde and Director James Cameron

Tom Staggs between Imagineer Joe Rohde and Director James Cameron

Speculation about who will replace Bob Iger might just have to wait. The Disney CEO and Chair has extended his contract through June 30, 2018. It had been thought that either Jay Rasulo (current CFO and former Disney Parks Chair) or Tom Staggs (current Disney Parks Chairand former CFO) were going to step into the CEO role in 2016 while Iger moved soley to the board position. Now that’s up in the air.

The current thought pattern is that Disney will appoint a COO moving either Staggs or Rasulo (or a dark horse candidate like Anne Sweeney (currently co-chair of Disney-ABC TV Group)) into the newly created desk. The COO would then get first hand experience running a giant corporation like The Walt Disney Company has become. If they do this, it tells me they definitely want to keep the promotion in house.

“I’ve had the privilege of being the CEO of this great company for nine years and am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue through June 2018,” Iger said. “I’m very excited about what lies ahead, including the release of our Star Wars films and the launch of Shanghai Disneyland, and I’m honored to continue working with our talented management team and the 175,000 dedicated people who make this company what it is today.”Read More »Disney CEO and Chair Bob Iger Extends Contract through June 2018