Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, recently shared her thoughts on two hot topics in Hollywood: the race for Disney’s new CEO and Jimmy Kimmel’s recent suspension. In an interview with Bloomberg’s The Circuit, Walden addressed these issues candidly.
When discussing the CEO search to replace Bob Iger, she said it’s tough competing against colleagues she respects. “We have incredible relationships,” Walden noted. Despite the competition, she feels confident about the future of Disney, highlighting the strong team in place.
Walden is seen as a top contender alongside Josh D’Amaro, who leads Disney Experiences. While rumors of outside candidates exist, insiders believe other Disney executives, like Alan Bergman and Jimmy Pitaro, are not in the running.
Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host, is rooting for Walden to get the CEO position. He recently stated, “I love Dana Walden very much, and I think she’s done a great job.”
Kimmel himself faced a brief suspension after comments about the killer of Charlie Kirk led to controversy. His show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was taken off air on September 17 but returned on September 23. During this time, there were reports that Disney lost some streaming subscribers, particularly for Hulu. However, Walden dismissed these claims, saying they were exaggerated. “We had a very strong quarter. This issue is firmly in our past.”
Interestingly, Kimmel’s suspension was a calculated decision from Disney. Walden explained that they aimed to “take the temperature down” due to the heated situation. They wanted to think through their actions carefully to protect both employees and the audience.
This incident highlights the delicate balancing act that companies like Disney face in today’s media landscape. With rising tensions and challenges from various fronts, leaders must navigate these waters mindfully.
In recent surveys, many viewers have expressed strong support for Kimmel, underscoring the impact a popular host can have on a show’s success. His ability to connect with the audience is a crucial asset for Disney, especially in competitive streaming markets.
As for Walden’s future at Disney, her innovative leadership style and ability to adapt may well shape the company’s direction significantly. Her commitment to teamwork and vision for the brand can inspire confidence among stakeholders as the entertainment giant moves forward.
For more insights on leadership changes in major corporations, check out reputable sources like Forbes or Bloomberg.
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Dana Walden,Disney,Jimmy Kimmel
