As a lifelong Disney enthusiast and someone who has spent countless hours within the magical confines of its theme parks, I can’t help but feel a tad protective about the future leadership of this beloved company. Having grown up with the timeless tales, characters, and experiences that Disney has so masterfully crafted, it’s hard not to have an emotional attachment to the House of Mouse.
In approximately two years, the top position at a major entertainment company will become vacant as Bob Iger is set to resign once more from his CEO role at The Walt Disney Company. While there are four potential strong candidates within the company currently being considered, it’s uncertain who will ultimately succeed Iger as the next CEO.
Previously, it was known that a power struggle for the CEO position at Disney was taking place among Jim Pitaro (ESPN chief), Josh D’Amato (Disney Experiences Chairman), and the co-heads of Walt Disney Studios, Dana Walden and Alan Horn. However, this morning’s Wall Street Journal report lends credence to a theory that had been circulating: Disney’s Board of Directors is looking at candidates from beyond TWDC (The Walt Disney Company). Specifically mentioned as a potential contender is Andrew Wilson, the CEO of Electronic Arts.
Being a dedicated Disney enthusiast who frequents their parks, I find myself deeply involved in the CEO recruitment process, and I acknowledge the possibility of fresh perspectives that an external hire could bring. However, I harbor significant reservations about this approach.
I Want A CEO Who Understands Theme Parks, Movies And Merch As Well As How They’re Supposed To Work Together
Disney is more than just a typical entertainment company; it’s a multifaceted entity with two primary aspects: a film studio and a theme park business. However, an impressive portion of its earnings doesn’t stem from these areas, but rather from the merchandise linked to both sectors. It’s challenging to find another organization with the right blend of experience to grasp Disney’s complex operations, as no one else operates quite like them in this regard.
One point often raised against some of Disney’s internal candidates is their lack of expertise in areas outside of their current roles. For instance, Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of Disney Experiences, has extensive experience in the theme park business, yet he may not be fully versed in the studio aspects. This was a challenge faced by former CEO Bob Chapek when he transitioned from Parks to CEO, as demonstrated by the resolved Black Widow lawsuit. Similarly, Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Studios, has solid connections within Hollywood, but might not be well-versed in theme park management.
As a potential outsider looking to join this conglomerate, I can’t help but feel the odds are stacked against me. Even if I’m unaware of certain internal operations, those who are already part of the team have an inherent understanding of how the company functions and how its different components interconnect. This insider knowledge could give them a significant advantage over external candidates like myself.
Disney Doesn’t Need New Blood (At The Moment)
In its entire history, The Walt Disney Company has appointed only one CEO from outside the company, Michael Eisner, who joined from his position at Paramount Pictures. He was recruited precisely because Disney’s studio was in a critical state and required fresh perspectives to turn things around. At that moment, it was evident that the traditional approach at Disney needed a significant change.
Currently, the megacorporation isn’t facing that issue. Remarkably, the two highest-grossing films from their 2024 movie lineup are produced by House of Mouse, each earning a billion dollars. The success story continues in Disney’s theme parks, and with announced expansion plans for both Disneyland and Disney World, growth is expected to continue.
Introducing an outsider might inject innovative thoughts that our business could benefit from, yet it also carries the risk of disrupting what is currently functioning smoothly.
I Want A CEO Who Cares About Disney As Much As I Do
It’s quite possible that the main challenge with an applicant from outside the company is their potential lack of enthusiasm for everything related to Disney. Although it may be difficult to quantify, I strongly feel that this aspect is just as important as any expertise in managing film studios or theme parks.
Disney stands out among entertainment companies not just for owning multiple theme parks, but primarily due to the significance of the Disney brand to most consumers. Unlike many other brands, Disney holds a special place in people’s hearts, often stemming from personal connections with the company’s former CEOs who knew Walt Disney himself.
As I tread the gaming world, I feel a kinship with those who came before me, even if we never crossed paths. Just listen to Michael Eisner or Bob Iger speak about Disney, and you can sense their unwavering devotion. It’s not merely a desire for success; it’s a longing for it to embody the magic and essence of Disney.
It’s plausible that an external CEO might develop a strong affection for Disney, as Michael Eisner did, by embracing the company culture swiftly (or perhaps by quickly adopting its unique spirit, like savoring a Dole Whip). Yet, it’s more probable that someone unfamiliar with Disney could view it simply as any other corporation, which overlooks its extraordinary character. This could be quite risky.
It’s important to note that just because someone like Dana Walden is a new addition to Disney, following the Fox merger, it doesn’t automatically mean she fully aligns with Disney. Her affinity for all things Disney isn’t clearly established yet. As for ESPN, being almost self-contained, it remains unclear how much its Chairman, James Pitaro, identifies with the broader Disney organization.
It’s beneficial for Disney not to stand still; quite the contrary, it should adapt. Any incoming CEO will inevitably bring about significant changes due to their unique perspectives. The essence of Disney remains crucial.
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2024-11-13 05:07