The upcoming shareholder meeting at the Walt Disney Company will be the culmination of a fierce proxy battle between the company and activist investor Nelson Peltz.

Peltz has garnered support from major shareholders such as CalPERS and Newberger Berman, which has raised concerns among some analysts.

However, Disney Chairman and former CEO Bob Iger and the company’s board have also secured support from prominent individuals like George Lucas and Jamie Diamond.

Despite the growing pressure, Iger remains confident that Disney will prevail at the shareholder meeting.

He acknowledges that the proxy battle has been costly and distracting but argues that it has also forced him to accelerate the company’s transformation.

With the departure of former CEO Bob Chapek, Iger has decentralized decision-making, fostering greater creativity within the organization.

One significant aspect of this meeting is the issue of succession planning.

Peltz’s supporters suggest that he will join the board and ensure that a qualified successor is found for Iger.

However, Iger maintains that the current board is strong and capable, having taken steps to improve its structure and membership.

Ultimately, Iger predicts that Disney will emerge victorious from this proxy battle, which he believes will allow the company to maintain its long-term growth trajectory.

He acknowledges the board’s past shortcomings in succession planning but insists that they are resolved to rectify the situation and find a suitable successor for Iger.

The proxy battle between Disney and Peltz has garnered support from both sides and comes to a head at the upcoming shareholder meeting.

Disney has secured support from notable figures like George Lucas and Jamie Diamond, while Peltz has gained support from major shareholders such as CalPERS and Newberger Berman.

Despite the escalating pressures, Iger remains confident in Disney’s triumph at the shareholder meeting, viewing it as a catalyst for the company’s transformation rather than an obstacle.

Iger has decentralized decision-making and encouraged innovation within the organization following the departure of former CEO Bob Chapek.

The shareholder meeting places a spotlight on succession planning, with Peltz’s backers advocating for his inclusion on the board and ensuring a qualified successor for Iger.

However, Iger emphasizes the competence of the current board and its ongoing efforts to enhance its structure and membership.