Burbank, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2006) – Disney CEO Bob Iger, Chairman of the Board Senator George Mitchell, the Board of Directors and hundreds of Disney employees gathered at The Walt Disney Studios today to honor former CEO Michael Eisner at a dedication ceremony for Team Disney – The Michael D. Eisner Building
“When Michael first stepped foot on the Disney lot two decades ago, he inherited a company with four theme parks, and a studio that was last place in the box office and didn’t have one show on network television,” said Iger. “Thanks to his great leadership and creativity, the Disney of today has grown exponentially, earning us the undisputed reputation for being the world’s leader in quality family entertainment, which is why dedicating this remarkable building in Michael’s honor is such a fitting tribute to the fantastic contributions he made to the Disney legacy.”
Mitchell added: “When we were presented with the proposal to name the Team Disney Building in Michael’s honor, the entire board quickly and unanimously endorsed the idea. For 21 years, Michael was the leader of the team that reinvigorated this company and put the magic back in Disney, so it is appropriate that this building will now carry his name.”
“I am grateful for this wonderful honor, especially because this building encapsulates so much that is fantastic about Disney and about the two decades I got to spend here,” said Eisner. “Team Disney is also a magnificent representation of my deep affection for Disney’s long-standing vision of creating architecturally meaningful spaces that are inspired by creativity and imagination.”
Team Disney – The Michael D. Eisner Building has served as The Walt Disney Company’s corporate headquarters at the Disney Studios in Burbank, California since 1990. The building was designed by renowned architect Michael Graves with a post-modern neo-classical façade, featuring gigantic pillars in the shape of the Seven Dwarfs – Doc, Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Bashful, Grumpy and Dopey.