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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

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Close Name:Small White Car Posts: 1950 Joined: 02 Jul 2004
Fri Oct 29, 2004 8:17 am Subject: If he...

If Steve can just overcome those pesky annoyances known as "eating" and "sleeping" well...this just MIGHT work!


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View Name:Guest
Fri Oct 29, 2004 10:16 am Subject: This would be amazing!
Close Name:dhp Posts: 180 Joined: 22 May 2003
Fri Oct 29, 2004 10:23 am Subject: Jobs a "suit"?

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.


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Close Name:Small White Car Posts: 1950 Joined: 02 Jul 2004
Fri Oct 29, 2004 10:49 am Subject: Re: Jobs a "suit"?

Quote
dhp 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.


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View Name:Guest
Sat Oct 30, 2004 2:20 pm Subject: Jobs to Disney, Gates to Apple
View Name:Guest
Sat Oct 30, 2004 5:14 pm Subject: Do it
Close Name:ricardo Posts: 18 Joined: 16 Jun 2004
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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View Name:Guest
Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:05 am Subject: Disney's Dream
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