After eight years as Disney CFO, Christine McCarthy is stepping down to take a family medical leave of absence. Veteran Disney exec and CFO of Disney Parks Experiences and Products, Kevin Lansberry, will take over while a search for a more permanent person happens. McCarthy has agreed to become a strategic advisor during her leave, to assist whomever is chosen.
McCarthy worked her way through the ranks of Disney positions, initially coming on as treasurer in 2000. She became CFO in 2015, and has been one of Bob Iger‘s chief deputies. She broke down Disney finances for analysts and joined Iger on important financial calls. Though there were some eyebrows raised surrounding McCarthy. She worked closely with Iger, but also backed a number of recently-removed-CEO Bob Chapek‘s more questionable business decisions. Though that’s likely by the wayside now she’s stepping down.
Leaving Well-Appreciated
“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity Bob [Iger] provided me to serve as CFO of this iconic company and am proud of the work my talented team has done to position Disney to capitalize on the business possibilities that lie ahead,” McCarthy said. “Although I am leaving the CFO role, I look forward to helping with the transition and will always be rooting for the success of my extended Disney family, who have shown time and again that determination, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence are an unstoppable combination.”
Iger sand McCarthy’s praises, and gave her a glowing sendoff. “Christine McCarthy is one of the most admired financial executives in America, and her impact on The Walt Disney Company during 23 years of dedicated service cannot be overstated,” Iger said. “Christine has served as a key strategic anchor during a period of great transformation, and she and I have discussed her desire to ensure an orderly and successful CFO succession in advance of the company’s transition to its next chief executive officer.”
