Walt Disney Co.'s biggest boardroom showdown in 20 years culminates this week with an election that has already reverberated throughout the Burbank entertainment giant. Billionaire Nelson Peltz has waged a nearly six-month battle for a seat on Disney's board of directors. A smaller activist group, Blackwells Capital, joined the fray with three other candidates. Disney has offered its own slate of 12 nominees, including two new board members.
“Shareholders have suffered greatly, losing tens of billions of dollars in value,” Trian said on its Restore the Magic website. “We believe the root cause of Disney’s underperformance is a Board that lacks focus, alignment, and accountability.” Should Peltz win his uphill battle for a coveted seat on Disney's 12-person board, Iger will be under increased pressure to boost Disney's profit and shareholder returns.