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The Walt Disney Company

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The Walt Disney Company
NameThe Walt Disney Company
TypePublic
Traded asNYSE: DIS, DJIA component, S&P 100 component, S&P 500 component
Foundation16 October 1923 as Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio
FounderWalt Disney and Roy O. Disney
LocationWalt Disney Studios, Burbank, California, U.S.
Key peopleBob Iger (Chairman & CEO), Mark G. Parker (Chairman of the Board)
IndustryMass media, Entertainment
ProductsFilms, television, streaming media, theme parks, merchandise
Revenue▲ US$88.9 billion (2023)
Num employees~225,000 (2023)
Homepagethewaltdisneycompany.com

The Walt Disney Company. Founded by brothers Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, it has grown from a modest animation studio into a global mass media and entertainment conglomerate. Headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, the corporation is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is renowned for its influence across film, television, and themed experiences. Its iconic characters, from Mickey Mouse to the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, have become deeply embedded in global popular culture.

History

The company was incorporated on October 16, 1923, as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, following the distribution deal for the Alice Comedies. Its breakthrough came with the creation of Mickey Mouse in 1928's Steamboat Willie, one of the first synchronized sound cartoons. The release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, the first full-length cel-animated feature film, established the studio's creative and financial ambitions. Post-World War II expansion included ventures into live-action films, television with series like The Mickey Mouse Club, and the 1955 opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California. After Walt Disney's death in 1966, leadership under Card Walker and later Michael Eisner oversaw the launch of The Disney Channel, the expansion of Walt Disney World in Florida, and the renaissance of its animation division with films like The Little Mermaid. The 21st century has been defined by strategic acquisitions, including Pixar (2006), Marvel Entertainment (2009), Lucasfilm (2012), and the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox (2019).

Corporate structure

The company is governed by a Board of directors chaired by Mark G. Parker, with Bob Iger serving as Chief executive officer. Its operations are divided into three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, encompassing film and television; an Experiences unit, which includes its parks and consumer products; and the Sports-focused ESPN. Major subsidiaries and divisions operate with a degree of autonomy and include Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. The corporate headquarters remains at the historic studio lot in Burbank, with major operational hubs across the globe, including at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort.

Business segments

Its primary operations are organized into three reportable segments. Disney Entertainment encompasses the global film and television content businesses, including Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and streaming services like Disney+ and Hulu. Disney Experiences includes the iconic theme parks and resorts, such as Disneyland Park, Magic Kingdom, and Tokyo Disney Resort, alongside cruise line operations, merchandise licensing, and retail. The Sports segment is centered on ESPN, which operates cable networks, the ESPN+ streaming service, and licensing for sports-themed content and events.

Leadership and governance

Executive leadership is led by CEO Bob Iger, who previously served from 2005 to 2020 before returning in 2022. The Board of directors is chaired by Mark G. Parker, the executive chairman of Nike, Inc.. Historically, key leaders have included founders Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, followed by Card Walker, Michael Eisner, and Bob Chapek. The board's committees oversee audit, compensation, and governance matters, with the company incorporated in Delaware and its annual shareholder meetings held in locations like Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Financial performance

As a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker DIS, it is a bellwether for the media industry. For the 2023 fiscal year, the company reported total revenue of approximately $88.9 billion. Its financial health has been historically driven by its Experiences segment, particularly the performance of Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, while significant investment has been directed toward its direct-to-consumer streaming initiatives like Disney+. Major financial events include its inclusion in the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1991 and the financing of its acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets.

Impact and legacy

The company's cultural impact is profound, having pioneered the animated feature film and modern theme park design. Its characters, from Mickey Mouse to Elsa from Frozen, are recognized worldwide. The corporation has significantly influenced global entertainment through its ownership of franchises like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Its theme parks, notably Disneyland and Epcot, have become models for immersive family entertainment. The company has also been a frequent recipient of accolades, including numerous Academy Awards, and its founder, Walt Disney, holds the record for most individual Oscar wins.

Category:The Walt Disney Company Category:Mass media companies of the United States Category:Entertainment companies based in California