Will Disney Bob Iger's CEO continue on Apple's board of directors?

With the announced launch of Disney + for next fall, coinciding with the also announced launch of Apple TV + also on similar dates, the permanence of Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, on Apple's board of directors begins to raise doubts derived from a more than likely conflict of interest. In a recent interview with David Faber on CNBC, Iger has spoken about how the launch of Diney + will affect his position on Apple's board of directors now that the two companies are in direct competition.

A Disney CEO on Apple's board of directors

Already under the direction of Tim Cook, in 2011 Apple appointed Bob Iger as a member of Apple's board of directors. So far, this situation did not pose any problem, however, after confirming the upcoming releases of Disney + and Apple TV +, both companies become direct competitors in the video streaming segment. Many consider that Iger's departure must be near; Others consider that it should have already been produced. Faced with this, the CEO states that the business of television or direct-to-consumer movies is "still very small" for Apple. In this sense, Iger does not believe that the situation is "problematic".

Bob Iger, CEO of Disney and member of the board of directors of Apple, in an interview on CNBC

To the question raised by David Faber about whether he can maintain his current position on Apple's board of directors, Bob Iger assures that when subjects related to films and series focused on the user are discussed, he does not participate.

"Well, obviously, when you sit on the board of a publicly traded company, you have to be very aware of your responsibilities, tax responsibilities to the shareholders of that company, and I have been. When discussing the business of television or movies direct to the consumer on the Apple panel, I refuse those discussions. There are not many of them. It is still a very small business for Apple. And I'm not at the point where I, you know, I think it's troublesome, but it's something that I have to continue to monitor. ”

Disney + will arrive next November 12 to the US market with a subscription cost of $ 6.99 per month or $ 69.99 per year. It will include existing series, movies and programs, but also new original content from both the Disney brand and the other franchises: Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic. It will also offer Fox series, including The Simpsons' 30 seasons.

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