Michael Eisner

Date of Birth: March 7, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: (Alive)

Biography

Michael Dammann Eisner is an American businessman and entertainment executive who served as the Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company from 1984 to 2005. Eisner was born in Mount Kisco, New York, and raised on Park Avenue in Manhattan. He graduated from Denison University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Eisner started his career with NBC, then moved to CBS, and eventually became the Senior Vice President of Programming and Development at ABC. In 1976, he joined Paramount Pictures as President and CEO, where he significantly increased the studio’s fortunes. Eisner’s tenure at Disney is often credited with revitalizing the company and ushering in what is now known as the Disney Renaissance, a period of remarkable creativity and financial success. Under his leadership, Disney expanded into new markets, acquired several media properties including ABC and ESPN, and launched the Disney Cruise Line and Disney Channel. Despite controversies and challenges, including a public falling-out with his successor Michael Ovitz and board member Roy E. Disney, Eisner left a lasting legacy at Disney and in the entertainment industry.

5 Interesting Facts about Michael Eisner

1. Michael Eisner was instrumental in the acquisition of ABC and ESPN by Disney, significantly expanding the company’s media footprint.

2. He played a key role in the development of the Disney theme parks, including the opening of Disneyland Paris in 1992.

3. Eisner co-authored a book, “Work in Progress,” which details his experiences at Disney and his philosophy on business leadership.

4. Under his leadership, Disney’s market capitalization increased from $1.8 billion in 1984 to over $80 billion by the time he left in 2005.

5. After leaving Disney, Eisner founded The Tornante Company, a privately held investment firm that focuses on the media and entertainment sectors.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael Eisner

1. “A company can seize extra-ordinary opportunities only if it is very good at the ordinary operations.”

2. “Failure is good as long as it doesn’t become a habit.”

3. “In every job I’ve taken, I’ve been willing to take on something new and be a part of something that has never been done before.”

4. “If you’re soft and fuzzy, like our little characters, you become the skinny kid on the beach, and people in this business don’t mind kicking sand in your face.”

5. “You have to be willing to take risks. I think the worst thing you can do is get complacent and stay in the same place.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Michael Eisner’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 billion.

Children

Michael Eisner and his wife Jane have three sons: 1. Breck Eisner, a film director known for movies such as “The Crazies” and “Sahara.” 2. Eric Eisner, a producer and founder of the production company Double E Pictures. 3. Anders Eisner, involved in various business ventures.