BURBANK, CA, Sept. 24, 2003 – The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) Board of Directors Tuesday elected Aylwin Lewis, President, Chief Multibranding and Operating Officer of Yum! Brands, Inc., as a new independent director, effective January 2004.
“The board was pleased to be able to recruit an executive of Aylwin’s caliber. He has been at the forefront of consumer tastes and trends for his entire 27-year career,” said Michael Eisner, Disney chairman and CEO. “We are confident that he will bring his substantial and deep global operational experience to bear immediately to benefit Disney shareholders.”
Lewis said he was pleased to be joining the Disney board as he has regarded the company as having a world-class set of assets and brand image.
“Disney is one of the most powerful global brands today. It represents a magical experience for generations of consumers and I’m excited about the company’s future,” said Lewis, a 26-year veteran of the restaurant industry.
Lewis, 49, joined the KFC unit of YUM! Brands in 1990, and was appointed chief operating officer in 2000. In 2003, he was named president, chief multibranding and operating officer. Before KFC, Lewis had experience with Jack in the Box, and with PepsiCo. In 2001, Lewis was elected a member of the board of directors of Halliburton Co.