Renowned filmmaker George Lucas has stepped into the arena of Walt Disney’s proxy battle, throwing his weight behind Disney CEO Bob Iger amidst a contentious standoff with activist investor Nelson Peltz.
Lucas, who garnered 37.1 million Disney shares as part of the $4.05 billion acquisition of his Lucasfilm studio by Disney in 2012, currently stands as the largest individual shareholder in the company, as reported by CNBC, citing multiple sources.
In a statement obtained by Reuters, Lucas expressed unwavering confidence in Disney and Iger, urging fellow shareholders to back the current leadership.
“I remain a significant shareholder because I have full faith and confidence in the power of Disney and Bob’s track record of driving long-term value. I have voted all of my shares for Disney’s 12 directors and urge other shareholders to do the same,” Lucas affirmed.
The visionary behind the iconic “Star Wars” franchise made his stance known just a day after Disney received a pivotal endorsement from proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis, urging shareholders to re-elect all of the company’s directors.
Lucas’s endorsement of Iger stems from a longstanding relationship that traces back to Iger’s tenure at ABC Entertainment, where he greenlit the television series “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” in 1992.
Reflecting on the relationship, Iger noted in his autobiography, “The Ride of a Lifetime,” that this collaboration laid the groundwork for approaching Lucas about a potential acquisition of Lucasfilm.
Proxy battle
“Casting spells of creativity requires seasoned hands. When I sold Lucasfilm just over a decade ago, I was delighted to become a Disney shareholder because of my long-time admiration for its iconic brand and Bob Iger’s leadership,” Lucas stated on Tuesday.
“When Bob returned to the company during a difficult time, I was relieved. No one knows Disney better.”
Iger’s return to Disney in November 2022, following the tumultuous tenure of former CEO Bob Chapek, marked a pivotal moment for the company.
The battle for control of Disney intensifies as Peltz’s Trian Fund Management and Blackwells Capital present contrasting visions for the company’s future.
While Peltz criticizes Disney’s sluggish adaptation to streaming changes and alleged mismanagement in succession planning, Blackwells advocates for technological innovation and the potential separation of Disney’s parks and real estate assets.
In the face of these divergent viewpoints, Disney and Iger have been rallying support from prominent figures, including the grandchildren of Disney founders Roy and Walt Disney, who publicly endorsed Iger and the board, characterizing the activist investors as destabilizing forces.
Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.
Australia’s AI workforce revolution: automation paves the way for a four-day work week.
In Short
UiPath’s report highlights the rapid shift towards “agentic automation,” where AI makes autonomous decisions, encouraging businesses to reassess roles and harness automation for productivity. This evolution may enable a four-day work week and necessitates the retraining of staff while ensuring regulations are in place for trust and compliance with AI integration.
The trend towards work reallocation is rapidly advancing, with UiPath’s new report identifying significant shifts in AI and automation.
Key insights from the report suggest a move towards “agentic automation,” where AI begins to make autonomous decisions. Yelena Galstian, Head of Solutions and Customer Advisory at UiPath shares her key insights.
Organisations are encouraged to reassess existing roles and identify areas where automation can enhance productivity.
A critical aspect will be the orchestration of collaboration between human employees, AI agents, and software robots to ensure effective teamwork.
Looking ahead, the motto for businesses is to “redesign and reassign” processes while considering how AI can handle repetitive tasks, allowing human employees to focus on more complex responsibilities.
As organisations embrace these changes, we could see a potential transition to a four-day work week, made feasible through increased efficiency and productivity from AI.
For further insights into the research and methodologies for implementing AI in business, interested parties can connect with the UiPath team through their website.
As global tourism revenue surges, cutting-edge technology and automation are revolutionising the hospitality industry.
Global travel demand remains strong heading into 2025, with industry experts predicting record-breaking tourism revenue.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, global tourism revenue is set to hit $1.9 trillion this year.
With record-breaking growth projected for the travel industry, hospitality leaders are embracing AI, automation, and luxury innovations to enhance guest experiences.
As demand for international travel remains strong, hospitality businesses are adapting to evolving traveler expectations through technology and innovation.
One of the key trends shaping the industry is the rise of artificial intelligence and smart automation.
From AI-powered customer service to energy-efficient hotel management systems, technology is redefining guest experiences.
Luxury boutique hotels like London’s Eccleston Square Hotel are at the forefront of this transformation.
Known as one of the world’s most technologically advanced hotels, Eccleston Square has recently unveiled a major tech upgrade.
The hotel is now using Apple TVs from ROOMNET, an advanced automation system developed with Leading Edge Automation, and a cutting-edge building management system by HSYCO. These innovations enhance operational efficiency while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.
These enhancements work in sync with the hotel’s property management system, MEWS, to create a smarter, more sustainable hospitality experience.
As AI continues to reshape the hospitality landscape, Eccleston Square Hotel’s approach reflects the industry’s broader shift toward innovation, efficiency, and sustainability—paving the way for the future of luxury travel.
Olivia Byrne, Owner and Company Director Eccleston Square Hotel joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.
Reform UK surpasses Labour in polling for first time, with Brexit leader Nigel Farage gaining support amid Conservative decline.
In Short
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has overtaken Labour in a YouGov poll with 25% support, while Labour sits at 24% and the Conservatives at 21%. This shift indicates growing discontent with the government, particularly as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch struggles to regain support.
The poll, conducted among 2,223 adults at the beginning of February, shows Reform UK at 25 percent support, a rise of two points from the previous poll.
Labour has declined by three points to 24 percent, while the Conservative Party has dropped to 21 percent.
While these results are notable, the next general election is not required until August 2029, and Reform’s lead falls within the poll’s margin of error. POLITICO’s Poll of Polls shows Labour and Reform both at 25 percent, with Conservatives at 22 percent.
This polling data is troubling for the government, particularly after Labour’s dominance in the last election, where they achieved a majority with 33.7 percent of the vote. Reform UK was in third place with 14.3 percent.
The findings also reflect poorly on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who seeks to restore support following recent losses.
YouGov indicates that 24 percent of those who voted Conservative in July would now choose Reform, with 43 percent of Conservative voters in 2024 favouring a merger between the two parties.