Disney Appoints Jeff Williams, Former Apple COO, to Board of Directors

The board of directors at The Walt Disney Co. is welcoming a seasoned tech executive on board. Jeff Williams, the former COO of Apple, has been nominated to join Disney’s board in time for the company’s 2026 annual meeting. Pending shareholder approval, the board will expand from 10 directors to 11.

Williams recently retired from Apple, where he led the company’s design team, managed the supply chain, and played a key role in launching products like the Apple Watch. His addition to the Disney board brings another tech-savvy voice to the table, joining Carolyn Everson, a former president of Instacart and veteran of Meta.

The connection between Apple and Disney runs deep. Apple founder Steve Jobs founded Pixar, which later became Disney’s largest shareholder. Jobs also served on Disney’s board. Similarly, Disney CEO Bob Iger once sat on Apple’s board, stepping aside only when Apple delved into the entertainment industry with Apple TV+.

While there was speculation about a potential merger between Apple and Disney if Jobs were still alive, the two companies have maintained a strong partnership over the years. Disney even supported the launch of Apple Vision Pro and collaborated on other initiatives.

According to James P. Gorman, Disney’s chairman of the board, Williams’ extensive experience and leadership make him a valuable addition to the board as Disney continues its focus on creative storytelling and cutting-edge innovation. Williams himself expressed his admiration for Disney’s tradition of combining imagination with technology to captivate audiences and bring timeless stories to life.

It’s an exciting time for Disney as Jeff Williams prepares to bring his expertise to the boardroom. The company’s ongoing journey of creativity and excellence is sure to benefit from his contributions.