8-KLeadership ChangesExhibits & Filings

Walt Disney Co 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Feb 25, 2020)

Filed February 25, 2020For Securities:DIS

Summary

This 8-K filing from The Walt Disney Company announces significant leadership changes, effective February 24, 2020. Robert A. Iger transitions from CEO to Executive Chairman, retaining a reporting line directly to the Board and continuing to oversee content creation. Robert Chapek, formerly Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer. This strategic shift aims to leverage Iger's experience in a more focused capacity while empowering Chapek to lead the company's day-to-day operations. The filing also details the employment terms for the new CEO, Robert Chapek. His new employment agreement, running through February 28, 2023, includes a base salary of $2,500,000, eligibility for performance-based bonuses with a target of at least 300% of base salary, and significant long-term incentive awards with a target value of not less than $15 million annually. These changes signal a new era of leadership for Disney, with a clear delineation of roles and a robust compensation structure for the incoming CEO.

Key Highlights

  • 1Robert A. Iger appointed Executive Chairman, reporting directly to the Board and continuing to direct content creation.
  • 2Robert Chapek appointed Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the Board and Executive Chairman Iger.
  • 3Robert Chapek's new employment agreement is effective February 24, 2020, through February 28, 2023.
  • 4Chapek's annual base salary is set at $2,500,000.
  • 5Chapek is eligible for annual performance-based bonuses with a target of at least 300% of his base salary.
  • 6Chapek will receive annual long-term incentive awards with a target value of at least $15 million.
  • 7Details outlined for termination benefits for Chapek under specific circumstances (termination without cause or resignation for good reason), including severance pay, prorated bonus, and equity vesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Robert Iger has transitioned from CEO to Executive Chairman. This move allows him to focus on strategic direction and content creation while still providing oversight, and it paves the way for Robert Chapek to take the helm as CEO, leading the company's day-to-day operations.

Robert Chapek's new agreement runs from February 24, 2020, to February 28, 2023. It includes a base salary of $2.5 million, a target annual bonus of at least 300% of his base salary, and annual long-term incentive awards with a target value of at least $15 million. He will also be nominated for the Board of Directors.

The agreement outlines termination benefits for Mr. Chapek if his employment is terminated by the Company without 'cause' or by him for 'good reason.' Benefits include a lump sum of remaining base salary, a prorated bonus, and accelerated vesting of certain equity awards, contingent on him signing a release and providing consulting services.

The filing mentions that Robert Chapek's son, Brian Chapek, is employed at Marvel Studios as Director, Production & Development. His total compensation for fiscal 2019 was approximately $211,000, and he participates in standard employee benefits, with his compensation being in line with similar roles.