The Walt Disney Company is looking to expand its board of directors, and it’s nominated Jeff Williams, the former Apple COO once considered heir apparent to CEO Tim Cook, to join. Williams, who served as Apple’s chief operating officer from 2015 until stepping down in July and finally retiring on Nov. 15, will stand for election as an independent director at Disney’s 2026 annual shareholders meeting.
“Jeff Williams is a highly accomplished executive who for decades helped steward one of the most innovative and admired companies that serves billions of consumers across the globe,” James Gorman, chairman of the board at Disney, said in a press release. “Jeff’s proven leadership and unique experience at the intersection of technology, global operations and product design make him a valuable nominee to our board as the company continues to focus on creative storytelling and groundbreaking innovation.”
Adding Williams, an Apple veteran of 27 years, would expand Disney’s board from 10 to 11 members. The current board includes James Gorman as chairman, along with GM CEO Mary Barra; former Cisco executive Amy Chang; former Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch; Permira senior advisor Carolyn Everson; Michael Froman, president of the Council on Foreign Relations; Disney CEO Bob Iger; WE Family offices CEO and managing partner Maria Elena Lagomasino, Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald, and former CVS president Derica Rice.
