Business

Disney reduces DEI focus in compensation models – adapting to political climate

Disney reduces the DEI focus in its compensation policy and adjusts measures to meet political pressure and internal expectations.

Eulerpool News Feb 13, 2025, 6:12 AM

Walt Disney has removed the "Diversity and Inclusion" (DEI) segment as a standalone factor in executive compensation. Instead, the company is introducing the new category "Talent Strategy," which, according to an internal memo, is intended to continue to include "important concepts" from the previous DEI guidelines. The other performance criteria "Storytelling and Creativity" and "Synergy" remain unchanged.

The decision comes amid growing criticism from conservative politicians and activists accusing Disney of pushing a "woke agenda." The company has been in the political spotlight in the United States since 2022, after opposing a law promoted by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to limit discussions of gender and identity in schools. Initially criticized by internal LGBT+ groups for its reluctance, Disney's later stance led to direct attacks by DeSantis, who, among other actions, curtailed the company's special rights to self-govern its amusement park grounds in Florida.

In parallel with the adjustment of compensation guidelines, Disney revises other measures previously considered part of its diversity strategy. For instance, warnings about racist or culturally problematic depictions in old films like Dumbo or Peter Pan are to be moved from prominent display to general film information.

Other US corporations are also increasingly withdrawing from DEI programs.

Disney CEO Bob Iger, who returned to the top of the company in November 2022, has since been striving to depoliticize the brand. "We must remember that our main goal is entertainment. It's not about messages," he emphasized at a 2023 conference. While Disney should continue to set positive societal impulses, this should not become the main motivation for content.

At the same time, the company is trying to take its employees' internal concerns seriously. On Tuesday, it was announced that the company's "Business Employee Resource Groups" would be renamed to "Belonging Employee Resource Groups" - a sign that Disney continues to focus on inclusion but wants to handle political tensions more sensitively.

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