A Look at the Life and Career of David Eisner

David Eisner is an American businessman and philanthropist known for his extensive career in the entertainment industry, politics, and advocacy. He is best known for serving as CEO of the Walt Disney Company from 1984 to 2005, but he has continued to stay active in business and philanthropy since leaving the company. In this article, we will explore the life and career of David Eisner and his impact on the entertainment industry and beyond.

I. Introduction to David Eisner:

David Eisner is an American businessman and philanthropist who has had an extensive career in the entertainment industry, politics, and advocacy. He was born in New York City on March 7, 1942, and is the son of Ronald and Dorothy Eisner. He attended Washington University in St. Louis for his undergraduate studies, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1964. After graduating, he began working for the accounting firm of Peat Marwick, eventually becoming a partner.

II. Early Life and Education of David Eisner:

David Eisner was born in New York City on March 7, 1942, to parents Ronald and Dorothy Eisner. Growing up in Manhattan, David attended the Dalton School and later went on to Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1964. During his time at Washington University, he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. After graduating, he began working for the accounting firm of Peat Marwick, eventually becoming a partner.

III. Eisner’s Career in Business and Philanthropy:

David Eisner began his career in business and philanthropy in the 1970s. He was hired as the Executive Vice President of Paramount Pictures in 1976 and was later promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer in 1980. He left Paramount in 1984 to become the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, a position he held until 2005. Since leaving Disney, Eisner has continued to stay active in business and philanthropy, serving on the boards of numerous companies and foundations.

IV. Eisner’s Involvement in Politics and Advocacy:

In addition to his business career, David Eisner has been involved in politics and advocacy throughout his life. He was a vocal supporter of President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s and has remained an active Republican ever since. He has been an advocate for the film industry in the United States, leading the charge for tax incentives for Hollywood studios and the creation of the Motion Picture Association of America.

V. Eisner’s Role in the Entertainment Industry:

Eisner’s role in the entertainment industry began with his tenure at Paramount Pictures. As President and Chief Operating Officer, he was instrumental in the success of films such as “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever”. He went on to become the CEO of the Walt Disney Company in 1984, where he was credited with transforming Disney into an international media giant. He oversaw the launch of the Disney Channel, the creation of the Disney Cruise Line, and the development of several theme parks.

VI. Eisner’s Accomplishments as CEO of Disney:

As CEO of the Walt Disney Company, David Eisner oversaw several major accomplishments. He was responsible for the acquisition of ABC and ESPN, the launch of the Disney Channel, and the development of several theme parks, including Disney’s California Adventure. He also spearheaded the development of the Disney Cruise Line and the opening of the Disneyland Resort in Tokyo.

VII. Eisner’s Post-Disney Career:

Since leaving the Walt Disney Company in 2005, David Eisner has remained active in business and philanthropy. He has served as a board member of numerous companies, including the National Geographic Society and the Creative Artists Agency. He is also the founder of the Eisner Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting philanthropic activities.

VIII. Eisner’s Charitable and Philanthropic Work:

In addition to his business career, David Eisner has been involved in several charitable and philanthropic activities. He is the founder of the Eisner Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting philanthropic activities. He has also been involved in numerous other charitable causes, including the Motion Picture and Television Fund, the Los Angeles Music Center, and the American Museum of the Moving Image.

IX. Eisner’s Personal Life and Family:

David Eisner is married to Jane Breckenridge Eisner and is the father of four children. He has been an active member of the Jewish community and has supported several Jewish causes, including Birthright Israel and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles.

X. David Eisner Net Worth:

David Eisner has an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people in the entertainment industry.

XI. Conclusion:

David Eisner has had an impressive career in the entertainment industry, politics, and advocacy. Throughout his life, he has been involved in several business and philanthropic activities, and his accomplishments as CEO of Disney have had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. He continues to stay active in business and philanthropy, and his estimated net worth of $1.1 billion speaks to his success in the entertainment industry.