[Disney6]

So what does everyone think of Iger taking over Disney? I know that Roy and Gold aren't too happy with the choice and said that is was handed to him by "default" and that some external candidates refused to be interviewed because of Eisner's role in the selection process. I do know some about Iger and he does deserve credit for turning ABC around with him under control. I hope he lets the creative CM's at Disney continue to work their magic and not inhibit their creativity.

[Baloo85]

I am not sure what to think about it, but I do believe that Roy deserves to be still part of the disney picture!!...till he decides to let it go

[disneyguy]

I REALLY don't want Iger. I want to see someone from outside Disney such as Steve Jobs, or "The eBay Lady".

[Disney6]

Iger may be too close to Eisner as far as I am concerned but I guess we will see.

[dznygrl]

Not sure. Don't know enough about him...I know that he's been working too close to Eisner for my comfort, but I also heard that he tried to differentiate himself from Eisner when possible?

I give up. I just don't care anymore. Honestly. I used to stress about it, but it's sooooo not worth my time. We'll just see what happens, and then I'll form an opinion of Iger.

[OffKilterFan]

I really don't like it. I was happy with Eisner leaving, but don't get rid of a guy to replace him with his clone. For me, the dream situation would be Jobs, but I think he has enough on his plate already ;)

[Mickey Maniac]

This Board has to go, this is a sad situation. My vote, NO NO NO Here is the statement released by Roy and Stan:

"Unfortunately, our concerns regarding this Board's process to replace Mr. Eisner were well-founded. We find it incomprehensible that the Board of Directors of Disney failed to find a single external candidate interested in the job and thus handed Bob Iger the job by default. We find it very telling that Mr. Mitchell refused to answer repeated questions about whether the entire Board had interviewed more than one external candidate. The Board has failed in what is clearly one of their most important responsibilities, the selection of the Company's CEO.

"The need for the Walt Disney Company to have a clean break from the prior regime and to change the leadership culture has been glaringly obvious to everyone except this Board. The scathing portrait painted by James Stewart in DisneyWar has been widely reported without serious challenge or contradiction. A Board that is so deaf and insular cannot be entrusted to provide independent stewardship to this valuable, unique institution.

"The selection of Bob Iger is yet another example of this Board's breach of faith. The pledge made by Chairman Mitchell to conduct a bona fide search was a ruse to avoid a contest at the 2005 annual meeting. Mr. Mitchell's approach to good governance is no better than a carny at the fair, enticing words but in the end the game is rigged. Disney Shareholders have been conned and their trust in this Board abused.

"Shareholders should seriously consider replacing this Board and starting anew."

[brumcg]

IMO, it was a poor choice that was going to happen regardless of other applicants. I thought the company should have looked for a long-term thinker with a more creative personality, but I suspect that Iger will be more of the short-term thinking that we've seen for the last 10 years.

Bruce

[Mickey Maniac]

HMMMM what classic Disney films can he make a sequel too? Thats about as much thought as he has.

[tigger]

I will give Iger a few months...

Even though he is close to Eisner that doesn't mean he will continue running the CEO position as Eisner has. I bet he is smart enough to realize why Eisner was forced out.

Iger has been pretty successful at Disney and seems to have the ability to be CEO.

As for bring in someone from outside...that is a hugh risk in a company with such a well defined culture as Disney.

Can we all be happy the Eisner left early?

UPDATE:

After doing some more reading this morning I think we will see Iger's make some pretty quick moves to repair the relationship with Pixar. He has to make an impact to differentiate himself from Eisner, Pixar would be a very visible demonstrations of that.

[Mickey Maniac]

He is still part of the "Eisner" regime. How can you trust a board who says they are going to do a search for replacement and then quickly put Iger as CEO, this sums it up the best:

"The selection of Bob Iger is yet another example of this Board's breach of faith. The pledge made by Chairman Mitchell to conduct a bona fide search was a ruse to avoid a contest at the 2005 annual meeting. Mr. Mitchell's approach to good governance is no better than a carny at the fair, enticing words but in the end the game is rigged. Disney Shareholders have been conned and their trust in this Board abused.

[Cavey]

Before we too quickly judge Iger as a Eisner clone, we should give him a chance to prove himself. Yes, the board seems to have done a poor job in the selection process, but it's too late to do anything about it now. So let's at least give him a chance.

As far as being part of the Eisner "regime," I again feel that's not a fair assertion. I've known instances of a "trusted lacky" who showed he was made of different stuff (better or worse) once the reigns were handed to him; it was only his superior that kept the lid on his ability to shape things. Perhaps Iger will excell without Eisner keeping him in check.

[Kippage]

Agreed. Give the guy a chance to show what he can do. Getting Eisner out is just a step in a long process.
I don't think it's bad just because he was associated with Eisner. You can be with any group, project, etc that is considered "bad", but you're not. Sometimes you just gotta kiss up to a person to get somewhere. Most people have done it at some point.

[Disney6]

Originally Posted by tigger

I will give Iger a few months...

Even though he is close to Eisner that doesn't mean he will continue running the CEO position as Eisner has. I bet he is smart enough to realize why Eisner was forced out.

Iger has been pretty successful at Disney and seems to have the ability to be CEO.

As for bring in someone from outside...that is a hugh risk in a company with such a well defined culture as Disney.

Can we all be happy the Eisner left early?

UPDATE:

After doing some more reading this morning I think we will see Iger's make some pretty quick moves to repair the relationship with Pixar. He has to make an impact to differentiate himself from Eisner, Pixar would be a very visible demonstrations of that.

On CNN this morning they talked alot about the Pixar/Disney relationship and did say Pixar has so much more negotiating power now than when they first entered their agreement with Disney and maybe with Iger in charge a deal would be more likely to happen. I for one would love to see a deal made because I think if not we might see more quantity instead of quality from the 2 entities.

[OffKilterFan]

I hope that Iger takes a chance to prove himself as different type of thinker than Eisner. Hopefully he will prove himself :D