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Forbes Suggests Steve Jobs as Disney CEO
by , 5:00 AM EDT, October 29th, 2004
Forbes Magazine Editor Steve Forbes believes Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs is the best candidate to succeed Michael Eisner as CEO of The Walt Disney Co.
Writing in his weekly opinion column, Mr. Forbes said, "(Mr.) Jobs knows high tech, Hollywood and finances as few Hollywood moguls do, and he knows the critical importance of creativity. Jobs' understanding of technology would be crucial.... Jobs understands that when we get true broadband in this country, the Internet will radically change radio and TV broadcasting, just as it's already changing telephony and the distribution of music and videos."
Mr. Forbes said he believes Mr. Jobs could do both jobs at Disney and Apple. He didn't explain or suggest Mr. Jobs stay as CEO of Pixar.
"Walt Disney himself was an artistic genius. The Disney company needs that kind of vision again. Steve Jobs can provide it," he wrote.
Over the past year, Mr. Eisner has faced votes of "no confidence" from investors, surrendering his chairman title in 2003 to calm fears. Former Disney board members Roy Disney and Stanley Gold publicly campaigned for the ouster of Mr. Eisner. Mr. Eisner was criticized for what many called his corporate gaffs, including friction between Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, led by Mr. Jobs, who last year announced they would end their licensing arrangement with Disney. On August 10, Mr. Eisner announced he would leave Disney in 2006 when his contract expires.
Mr. Jobs has made no comment about his level of interest in the Dinsey job.
Observer Comments
Disney was and always should be a class act. Mr. Jobs has great taste and knows what works never underestimating the public. If the chairman of Apple and Disney, Pixar would be purchased by Walt Disney Company. This is not so dissimilar when Apple bought NeXT . Disney and Apple both started by two men in a garage, how American is that! I think if Walt Disney were alive today he would be very interested in what is going on over at Apple and Pixar. The teaming of these three companies would be incredible and a creative tasteful competition to Microsoft and Dreamworks.
I can't imagine Disney having a CEO who walks around in jeans and a black turtleneck. And I can't imagine Jobs returning to suits after all these years.
When was the last photo taken of SJ in a suit? I remember seeing one from an old magazine cover, but I can't remember if he was posing with the original Mac or an Apple II.
I think he would rather lord over these comparatively small companies in silicon valley than move to So Cal to head up a multi-headed corporate monstrosity.
Fri Oct 29, 2004 10:49 am Subject: Re: Jobs a "suit"?
Quotedhp wrote:
I think he would rather lord over these comparatively small companies in silicon valley than move to So Cal to head up a multi-headed corporate monstrosity.
Right. I mean, he can already make cartoons with Pixar. What would Steve get to do that's different? run theme parks? ESPN? ABC?
I don't see anything on that list that I think would excite Steve the same way iChat AV does.
Jobs would be excellent choice for Disney, and Gates is the right person to take the Mac to the rest of the world, grow the market share. Gates in charge of Apple at this point in time would be a much better match. And I am sure most of you agree with me. Thank you.
Yes, it is time for a round of musical chairs for corporate CEOs!!!
Sat Oct 30, 2004 10:16 pm Subject: Gates at Apple...
Only if he can finally build a Visio Professional for the Mac so I can get rid of Virtual PC!!!!! I was able to retire my Linux machines when OS X emerged - now just get me Visio and Project and my Windows boxes and VPC can go out the eBay door and I will buy a new iBook with the proceeds!!
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