Jeff Williams has been nominated to join The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors. Disney says Williams, the former Apple Chief Operating Officer, will stand for election as a new independent director at the company's 2026 annual meeting of shareholders. If elected, the board will expand to 11 members.
Williams retired from Apple earlier this year after a long career that included leading the company's global supply chain, service, and support operations, as well as overseeing Apple's design team. His work included the launch of the Apple Watch and shaping Apple's health and fitness strategy.
Board Chairman James P. Gorman said Williams brings experience across technology, operations, and product design:
"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 said he has long watched how Disney uses technology to support its storytelling.
"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," Williams said. "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 his nomination and the re-election of Disney's current 10 directors at the 2026 annual meeting.
Jeff Williams background
- Named Apple COO in 2015
- Joined Apple in 1998 as Head of Worldwide Procurement
- Promoted to VP of Operations in 2004
- Played an important role in the launch of the first iPhone in 2007
- Oversaw global product operations, supply chain, service, and support
- Led the Apple Watch project starting in 2013 and guided Apple's health and fitness strategy
- Previous engineering and operations roles at IBM
- Holds a bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University and an MBA from Duke University
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