Michael Eisner

Michael Dammann Eisner (born March 7, 1942) was the second-longest-serving chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

SaveDisney War

In 2003, Roy Edward Disney, also the son of co-founder Roy Oliver Disney, resigned from his positions as Disney vice chairman and chairman of Walt Disney Feature Animation, accusing Eisner of micro-management, failures with ABC, timidity in the theme park business, turning the Walt Disney Company into a "rapacious, soul-less" company, and of refusing to establish a clear succession plan. (Text of resignation letter) On March 3, 2004, at Disney's annual shareholders' meeting, a surprising and unprecedented 43% of Disney's shareholders, predominantly rallied by former board members Roy Disney and Stanley Gold, voted to oppose the reelection of Eisner as chairman and CEO. This led the board of directors to strip him of his chairmanship and give that position to former U.S. Senator George Mitchell. It also led to speculation that he would resign as CEO before his contract ended in 2006. Eisner's struggle to maintain control of the legendary entertainment company was the subject of journalist James R. Stewart's bestselling book DisneyWar.

Related Topics:
Roy Edward Disney - Roy Oliver Disney - Disney - Theme park - March 3 - 2004 - Stanley Gold - U.S. Senator - George Mitchell - James R. Stewart - DisneyWar

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Still under pressure from Roy Disney, Gold, and other critics, Eisner announced on September 10, 2004 that he would resign on step down when his employment contract expired in 2006. However, on March 13, 2005, the Disney company announced that Eisner would leave a year ahead of schedule, with Robert A. Iger taking over as CEO on October 1. Eisner left his post as CEO on September 30, 2005. After leaving his post Eisner severed all ties with Disney. He did not remain on the Board of Directors, or remain as a consultant.

Related Topics:
September 10 - 2004 - March 13 - 2005 - Robert A. Iger - October 1 - September 30

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