Disney board names James Gorman succession planning committee chair

Disney’s Board of Directors has named Board member James P. Gorman to chair its Succession Planning Committee, it was announced today by Mark G. Parker, Chairman of the Board. Gorman, who joined the Disney Board earlier this year, oversaw the recent succession process at Morgan Stanley, where he serves as Executive Chairman following several years as the firm’s Chairman and CEO. “James is a highly respected leader, and we’ve asked him to serve as the new Chair of the Succession Planning Committee given his deep succession planning experience and long-term strategic mentality,” said Parker, who most recently served as the Committee’s Chair. “Succession planning is a top priority of the Board, and I am eager to continue collaborating with James on the Committee as we advance the important work we have already been doing to identify and prepare the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company.” In addition to Gorman and Parker, directors Mary T. Barra and Calvin R. McDonald will continue to serve on the Committee. All members of the Committee have direct experience in CEO and senior leadership succession planning for Fortune 500 companies.