US Markets
Monday, April 1st, 2024 2:54 pm EDT
Key Points
- Dana Walden’s career trajectory from being recognized by Peter Chernin at 20th Century Fox to potentially becoming the first female CEO of Disney, with Bob Iger considering her for the position.
- Walden’s bold approach to securing her position in the industry, her success in the TV business, and her competition with other Disney executives for the CEO role.
- Perspectives on Walden’s strengths and weaknesses, her Hollywood ties, her tenure at Disney, and the factors influencing Bob Iger’s decision in choosing his successor.
The article profiles Dana Walden, a seasoned media executive who might be poised to become the first female CEO of Walt Disney Co. Walden’s journey began when Peter Chernin, then president of 20th Century Fox, recognized her potential and moved her from corporate communications to TV programming. Fast forward to 2024, and Bob Iger, Disney’s CEO, is considering Walden as his successor. Her career trajectory shifted after a bold presentation to Chernin, emphasizing the need for Fox to secure top talent. Now, Walden competes with other Disney executives for the top position. While some praise her track record and Hollywood ties, others question her business acumen and readiness for the CEO role. Nonetheless, Walden’s supporters believe she could counterbalance the shortcomings of the previous CEO, Bob Chapek. They highlight her industry relationships, creative vision, and potential to break gender barriers in corporate leadership. Walden’s candidacy reflects Disney’s strategic decision-making amidst a rapidly evolving media landscape. Ultimately, the decision on Disney’s next CEO will shape the company’s future direction, weighing various candidates’ strengths and the evolving dynamics of the entertainment industry.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/01/disney-ceo-race-dana-walden-could-defy-critics-and-make-history.html
