The Walt Disney Co. Board of Directors Wednesday announced that Bob Chapek, who recently was elevated to CEO, was elected to the board.
Susan Arnold, independent Lead Director of the Disney board, and Robert A. Iger, executive chairman and board chairman, made the joint announcement.
“Bob Chapek has demonstrated remarkable leadership in the face of unprecedented challenges that were unimaginable when he became CEO just seven weeks ago, and we’ve watched him navigate this very complex situation with decisiveness and compassion,” the statement reads. “We are pleased to add Bob to the board, as we stated we would when he was named CEO.”
Late last month, it was announced that Iger will give up his salary for the year, while Chapek will take a 50% pay cut amid cutbacks in film and TV production and indefinite closures of Disney theme parks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Before becoming CEO, Chapek was chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, where he oversaw the opening of Disney’s first theme park and resort in mainland China, Shanghai Disney Resort, and the addition of numerous offerings across Disney’s six resort destinations in the U.S., Europe and Asia, including the creation of the new “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
From 2011 to 2015, the nearly 30-year company veteran was president of the former Disney Consumer Products segment. Before that, he served as president of distribution for The Walt Disney Studios, and president of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, where he spearheaded the “vault strategy” for the company’s iconic films.
Before joining Disney in 1993, Mr. Chapek worked in brand management at H.J. Heinz Co. and in advertising at J. Walter Thompson.