Disney’s Thomas O. Staggs Stepping Down

BURBANK: Thomas O. Staggs, the chief operating officer of The Walt Disney Company who was expected to take Robert A. Iger’s place as CEO, is leaving the company.

Staggs became COO of The Walt Disney Company in February 2015. He will officially leave his current position as of May 6. He will remain employed by the company as a special advisor to Iger—who is slated to resign as chairman and CEO in approximately two years—throughout the fiscal year. Staggs first joined Disney in 1990 as manager of strategic planning, eventually being promoted to chief financial officer. During his time with the company, he has contributed to the historic growth of the Parks & Resorts division, among other accomplishments.

“Tom has been a great friend and trusted colleague for more than 20 years,” said Iger. “He’s made important contributions to this company, earning wide respect across the organization for his achievements and personal integrity. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, immensely grateful for the privilege of working with him, and confident that he will be enormously successful in whatever opportunity he chooses.”

Staggs added: “Disney truly stands alone, not only because of the company’s phenomenal creativity, but also because of the thousands of remarkable people who make it such an extraordinary place. It’s been a privilege to work with them and be inspired by their creativity and commitment. It’s also been a great experience to work with Bob during this dynamic era of unprecedented growth and transformation. I remain grateful for that opportunity, and I’m confident that Disney’s future will be just as exciting as its legendary past.”