The Walt Disney Company announced that Jeff Williams, former Chief Operating Officer of Apple Inc., has been nominated to join its Board of Directors. The nomination will be voted on at Disney’s 2026 annual meeting of shareholders. If elected, the board will expand to 11 members.
Williams retired from Apple earlier in 2025 after a nearly 30-year career with the technology company. As COO since 2015, he managed Apple’s global supply chain, service and support functions, and led the design team. He was instrumental in launching the Apple Watch and developing Apple’s health and fitness initiatives.
James P. Gorman, Chairman of the Board at The Walt Disney Company, commented on the nomination: “Jeff Williams is a highly accomplished executive who for decades helped steward one of the most innovative and admired companies that serves billions of consumers across the globe. Jeff’s proven leadership and unique experience at the intersection of technology, global operations and product design make him a valuable nominee to our board as the company continues to focus on creative storytelling and groundbreaking innovation.”
Williams responded to his nomination by saying: “I have long admired Disney’s legacy of pairing imagination with innovation—leveraging new technologies in bold, creative ways to bring to life timeless stories and entertain its guests. It is an honor to be nominated to the board of this storied company. I look forward to working with Disney’s talented leadership team and contributing to the company’s ongoing journey of creativity and excellence.”
Shareholders will vote on Williams’ election as well as on the re-election of Disney’s current ten directors during the next annual meeting.
Williams joined Apple in 1998 as Head of Worldwide Procurement before becoming Vice President of Operations in 2004. He played a key role in launching Apple’s first iPhone in 2007 and oversaw global product operations, supply chain management, service, and support. In addition to leading operations, he spearheaded projects like Apple Watch starting in 2013. Before joining Apple, Williams held engineering and operational positions at IBM. He holds degrees from North Carolina State University (bachelor’s) and Duke University (MBA).
The Walt Disney Company operates internationally across three segments: Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences. In fiscal year 2025, it reported revenues totaling $94.4 billion.
