Disney announces appointment of Jeff Williams, former COO Applu, to its board of directors. Williams will stand as an independent member at the annual general meeting of shareholders to be held in 2026.
Jeff Williams – key man Applu
Williams served as COO Applu from 2015 until his retirement in November 2025. In this role, he was responsible for the company's global operations, customer support and service. He made a significant contribution to the development Apple Watch and led innovative projects in the field of health. Since 2023, he has also led the design team Appyou.
In his statement he said:
“ I have long admired Disney’s legacy – their ability to combine imagination with technology. I am honored to be nominated to the board of directors of such an iconic company. I look forward to working with the talented team and contributing to Disney’s growth. ”
Disney leadership expansion
If elected, the Disney Board of Directors will expand to 11 members. Current members include Disney CEO Bob Iger, GM CEO Mary Barra, former Morgan Stanley Chairman James Gorman and Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald.
With the entry of Jeff Williams, Disney gains a strategic reinforcement with a technological background, which can play a significant role in the future direction of the entertainment giant in the areas of innovation, streaming and smart platforms.