The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors has elected Mark G. Parker, the president and chief executive officer of Nike Inc., as a director, effective immediately. Mr. Parker will stand for election along with the Company's other directors at Disney's annual meeting on March 3 in Chicago. Mr. Parker's appointment brings total membership on the Disney Board to 12.

Mr. Parker has served as CEO and president of Nike since January 2006. He joined Nike as one of the company's first footwear designers in 1979 and during his 37-year tenure he has been at the center of innovation, bringing pioneering concepts and engineering expertise to vital roles such as vice president of consumer product marketing, vice president of global footwear and co-president of the Nike Brand.