Attractions industry news

06 Dec 2017

Potential Fox deal sees James Murdoch cast as contender to Disney throne

Fox boss James Murdoch has emerged as a contender to become the new CEO of Disney, following reports last week that Bob Chapek was the man to take the organisation forward.

Disney is reportedly in negotiations for a US$60bn (€50.7bn, £44.8bn) takeover of Fox, with the company looking to acquire Fox’s movie studio, cable channels and international units – Sky and Star India.

Should that deal go through, The Financial Times reports that British-born businessman James Murdoch, the CEO of Fox and son of media tycoon Rupert, could take the reins at Disney when Bob Iger departs in 2019.

The Fox deal would have a significant impact on the theme park world, with Comcast – the parent company of Universal Studios' owner NBC Universal – also assessing a bid, as is Verizon.

Should the Fox deal not go through, Bob Chapek – a Disney veteran of more than 20 years – would still be the likely successor to Bob Iger, according to Bloomberg.

Disney has struggled to find a suitable successor following the departure of heir apparent Thomas Staggs in April 2016. Iger extended his tenure at Disney until 2 July 2019, saying at the time that he would be working with the company’s board to “to identify a successor as CEO and ensure a successful transition”.

The incoming chief executive will be leading from a position of strength, with Disney’s recent earnings report showing growth for the fiscal year. The company’s Parks and Resorts division performed strongly, with revenues increasing eight per cent year-on-year to US$18.4bn (€15.8bn, £14bn), while profits were up 14 per cent to US$3.8bn (€3.3bn, £2.9bn).

<< Back

News powered by attractionsmanagement.com

The Everyday Heritage initiative celebrates and preserves working class histories

Off the back of the success of the first round of Everyday Heritage Grants in 2022, Historic England is funding 56 creative projects that honour the heritage of working-class England. [more...]

Heartbreak for Swedish theme park, Liseberg, as fire breaks out

A fire has destroyed part of the new water world, Oceana, at Liseberg in Sweden, and a construction worker has been reported missing. [more...]

Raby Castle reveals ambitious plans to become a major visitor destination

Raby Castle, known as one of the finest medieval fortifications in England, is nearing the end of an ambitious two-year renovation project. [more...]

Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion

Wake the Tiger, the Bristol-based immersive art experience, is set to open its 1,000sq m expansion on Friday 2 February. [more...]

Tate Modern and Frame collaborate on a mind/body experience

London boutique operator, Frame, has teamed up with the Tate Modern to offer two yin and sound yoga classes, following by a tour of the art gallery. [more...]

Elvis Presley Live is rolling out globally

Immersive entertainment specialists, Layered Reality, is creating a tribute to Elvis Presley featuring a concert experience with a life-sized digital Elvis. [more...]

In brief:

@PerthMuseumUK to open Easter weekend, bringing the Stone of Destiny back to Scotland for the first time in more than 700 years @culturepandk @mecanoo_ [more...]
Excitement for Bedford as the town could be home to Europe’s first Universal Studios @parks_universal [more...]
Google launches Gemini AI – its ChatGPT killer @google [more...]
Tourism think tank explores gender equity and male allyship @tourismsociety [more...]
Accenture says AI is bringing on a decade of deconstruction @AccentureSong #Accenture #AI #Technology [more...]
Back in time – visitors experience 1960s healthcare in Black Country Museum's new living history centre @BCLivingMuseum #BlackCountry #NHS #History [more...]
Attractions.io creates night-time map for Alton Towers @attractions_io @daz_black @altontowers #AltonTowers #MerlinEntertainments #DazBlack #DazGames [more...]
'Birthplace of Scottish tourism', Trossachs Pier, to get iconic viewing tower @lomondtrossachs #LochLomond #Trossachs [more...]
Therme appoints UK CEO as £250m Therme Manchester gets planning approval #spa #wellness #wellbeing #health #fitness #investsment #development #progress [more...]
More news from attractionsmanagement.com>>
<< Back