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Michael Eisner Comments on the Current State of The Walt Disney Company

Michael Eisner with Disney characters
Credit: Disney

The Walt Disney Company is in for some changes as former CEO Bob Iger has returned to the top position after the Board of Directors ousted Bob Chapek last week.

Bob Iger has already shared his excitement to get to work with Disney, and he has already met with Cast Members and employees to discuss the future of the company and answer questions they may have during this transition. Amid all of the recent changes, nearly everyone who has either worked for Disney, is a fan, or has some other interest in the company has taken to social media to share their thoughts on the current state of things, including none other than past CEO Michael Eisner.

Michael Eisner with Mickey Mouse

Credit: Disney

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Michael Eisner served as CEO of The Walt Disney Company prior to Iger’s first stint in the position from 1984-2005. While at Disney, Eisner along with President and COO Frank Wells (prior to his tragic passing in 1994) led the way for some of the company’s most memorable projects in the theme parks and beyond.

Since stepping down from CEO in 2005, Eisner founded the Tornante Company, which operates as a media and entertainment investment firm and became an owner of the Portsmouth Football Club. He has still it seems kept up to date with changes within the company, and he event recently shared a message welcoming Bob Iger back to Disney:

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Eisner’s thoughts on the current state of the company did not stop with his welcome back message for Bob Iger. Earlier today, Eisner shared the following thoughts invoking the words of Walt Disney, himself:

The Walt Disney Company has suffered in recent years. This is a good time for us to remember the words of Walt Disney who said, “Everybody falls down. Getting back up is how you learn to walk.”

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The majority of fans, at least those voicing their opinions on social media, agree with Eisner that the company has indeed suffered in recent years (with many attributing this feeling to Chapek specifically.) Still, fans have been delighted to see a positive outlook, especially from someone who had his own challenges while leading the Walt Disney Company in years past.

Fans are feeling cautiously optimistic however, and many are certainly hopeful that the company will indeed “learn to walk” once again under Iger’s leadership.

About Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."