The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors has elected Maria Elena Lagomasino, the CEO and Managing Partner of financial advisory firm WE Family Offices, as an independent director, effective Dec. 1.
“Ms. Lagomasino is a respected leader in the finance and investment field and also has a wealth of experience with, and keen understanding of, global consumer brands,” said Robert A. Iger, Disney’s chairman and chief executive officer. “I know the Company and its shareholders will benefit greatly from her Board service.”
“Disney is a brand that embodies the values I believe in, with its unwavering commitment to creating high-quality entertainment, exceeding consumer expectations, and delivering outstanding financial performance for its shareholders,” Ms. Lagomasino said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Board of such an iconic and beloved company.”
Ms. Lagomasino will stand for election along with the company’s other directors at Disney’s annual meeting next March.
Before founding WE Family Offices, Ms. Lagomasino served as CEO of GenSpring Family Offices, a leading wealth management firm. Prior to that she served as chairman and chief executive officer of JP Morgan Private Bank. Her career began in 1977 at Citibank. She joined Chase Manhattan Private Bank in 1983 and was named head of Chase’s worldwide private banking business in 1997. Following the Chase-JP Morgan merger, she became chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Private Bank.
Ms. Lagomasino is a founder of the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard, and serves on the boards of The Coca-Cola Company, Avon Products, Inc., and the Americas Society. She is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
In August 2015, Private Asset Management named Ms. Lagomasino one of the 50 most influential women in Wealth Management. American Banker named her one of 2012’s Top 25 Women in Finance. Hispanic Business Magazine namedher “Woman of the Year” in 2007.
Ms. Lagomasino earned her B.A. at Manhattanville College, an M.S. at Columbia University and an M.B.A. at Fordham University.