USA: Susan Arnold Named Chairman of the Board of The Walt Disney Company

For the first time in the nearly 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company (founding year: 1923), the Board of Directors of the US media company will be chaired by a woman as of the end of this year. Board member Susan E. Arnold has been elected the new chair and will take on her new role effective December 31. Arnold, who has been a member of the Board of Directors for 14 years, thus follows in the footsteps of Bob Iger, who had already stepped down as CEO in 2020 after more than 15 years (cf. EAP news of 26. Feb 2020) and will leave the company at the end of this year.

“Susan is an incredibly esteemed executive whose wealth of experience, unwavering integrity, and expert judgment have been invaluable to the Company since she first joined the Board in 2007,” said Iger, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. He continues, “Having most recently served as independent Lead Director, Susan is the perfect choice for Chairman of the Board, and I am confident the Company is well-positioned for continued success under her guidance and leadership. It has been a distinct honor to work with Susan and our many other talented directors, and I am incredibly grateful for the support and wise counsel they have provided during my tenure.”

As former Procter & Gamble President (2007-2009) and having served most recently as an operating executive of the equity investment firm The Carlyle Group (2013-2021), Susan Arnold brings extensive public-company board experience and in-depth knowledge of brand management and marketing to her new role. (eap)