Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed the company has a diversity agenda.
In a recent interview with the New York Times, interviewer Maureen Dowd pointed out to Iger that the top executives of Disney are white men in their TV, film, parks and consumer products, and streaming and international divisions.
Alan Bergman is the co-chairman of Walt Disney Studios alongside Alan Horn. Bob Chapek is the Chairman of Disney parks, Experiences, and Products, Peter Rice is the Chairman of Walt Disney Television, and Kevin Mayer is the Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer & International.
Iger responded saying, “You have to look one level down, because we’ve done a lot.” However, he did acknowledge that Disney is “lacking” in diversity when it comes to the people who are directly reporting to him. He then made it clear he plans to change that before he leaves the company saying, “I’ll change that before I leave.” Iger is expected to retire from Disney in 2021.
Dowd would also comment on whether there will be a female director for a Star Wars film. Iger told her that Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is “trying really hard” to find one.
The upcoming Disney Plus Star Wars show The Mandalorian did have female directors. Star Wars announced last October that Deborah Chow and Bryce Dallas Howard would direct episodes of the show. (Related: Star Wars Reveals First Look at The Mandalorian – Reveals Additional Directors)
Iger would also address how the company deals with its employees. He noted they are looking for solutions.
“We’re trying really hard to find solutions to the challenges and the problems that our employees are facing today. We’re going to come up with dozens of more solutions that we’re going to try to help improve their lives, and if they don’t work, we’re going to find dozens more. We have to be better.”
What do you make of Bob Iger’s comments? Do you think this thinking is good for the company going forward?