Jeff Williams Joins Disney Board After 27-Year Apple Career

Disney Expands Board with Jeff Williams' Nomination

The Walt Disney Co. is making a strategic move by expanding its board of directors. The company has nominated Jeff Williams, former Apple Chief Operating Officer (COO), to join the board as an independent director. This nomination is set for consideration at Disney’s 2026 annual shareholders meeting.

Jeff Williams served as Apple’s COO from 2015 until his retirement in November 2023. His tenure at Apple spanned 27 years, during which he played a pivotal role in several key projects and initiatives. Williams is now being considered as an independent director, which would increase the size of Disney’s board from 10 to 11 members.

James Gorman, chairman of Disney’s board, praised Williams in a press release, stating:

“Jeff Williams is a highly accomplished executive who for decades helped steward one of the most innovative and admired companies that serves billions of consumers across the globe. Jeff’s proven leadership and unique experience at the intersection of technology, global operations, and product design make him a valuable nominee to our board as the company continues to focus on creative storytelling and groundbreaking innovation.”

Williams’ appointment aligns with Disney’s current strategic direction. The company is heavily investing in AI, mixed-reality experiences, and streaming technology to modernize its business model. Disney has established an Office of Technology Enablement to drive AI-driven personalization across its platforms. CEO Bob Iger has also outlined plans to transform Disney+ into “a portal to all things Disney” using AI.

A Track Record of Innovation

During his time at Apple, Williams was instrumental in launching the Apple Watch and developing the company’s health and fitness strategy. He also oversaw Apple’s design team after Jony Ive’s retirement in 2019. Additionally, he managed the company’s global supply chain, service, and support functions.

“I have long admired Disney’s legacy of pairing imagination with innovation—leveraging new technologies in bold, creative ways to bring to life timeless stories and entertain its guests,” Williams said in a statement. “It is an honor to be nominated to the board of this storied company. I look forward to working with Disney’s talented leadership team and contributing to the company’s ongoing journey of creativity and excellence.”

Williams joined Apple in 1998 as head of worldwide procurement. He played a critical role in rescuing the first iPhone launch in 2007. He was promoted to vice president of operations in 2004 and became COO in 2015. Two years prior, he led the Apple Watch project, which launched in 2015, and later spearheaded Apple’s expansion into health and fitness.

A New Chapter

Williams’ retirement from Apple was announced in July 2023. He cited a desire to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren. He officially left the company last month after a transition period during which he continued overseeing Apple’s design team directly under Tim Cook. Sabih Khan, who had been serving as senior vice president of operations, succeeded Williams as COO.

Disney shareholders will vote on Williams’s election, along with the reelection of the company’s current 10 directors, at the 2026 annual meeting. The meeting is expected to take place in March or April. In addition, the board is leading the succession process for Iger. Last October, Gorman stated that the company expects to name Iger’s successor in early 2026. Iger’s current contract runs through December 2026.