Long-time Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Conservancy) President and CEO Deb Yandala announced her upcoming departure, leaving a legacy of growth and success after 22 years leading the organization. Yandala will be stepping down in the first half of 2025, but her commitment to the park and its future remains strong. The Conservancy’s Board of Directors is launching a search process for a new CEO and plans to have a new leader in place within the next 6-8 months.
Walt Disney Co. (DIS) has named Morgan Stanley’s (MS) James P. Gorman as its new Chairman of the Board, effective January 2, 2025. Gorman will succeed Mark G. Parker, who will depart after nine years of service. The appointment comes as Disney prepares for the eventual succession of CEO Bob Iger, who returned to the helm in November 2022. Gorman’s appointment signals a significant shift in Disney’s leadership, with speculation swirling around who will take over from Iger.
CVS Health is facing a tumultuous period, marked by a new CEO, David Joyner, taking the helm as the company struggles with financial difficulties. The company has already announced that its upcoming third-quarter earnings will miss Wall Street expectations, citing increased medical costs and premium deficiency reserves. The pharmacy giant is also under scrutiny from the FTC for alleged anti-competitive practices and is considering a major restructuring, potentially splitting its retail and insurance businesses.
Air Tahiti Nui has appointed Philippe Marie as its new CEO, bringing a wealth of experience in finance, aerospace, and legal sectors. His leadership is expected to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and strengthen the airline’s competitive edge in the Pacific region, impacting both the travel industry and tourism in French Polynesia.
Stellantis N.V. (STLA) announced plans for CEO Carlos Tavares’ retirement in early 2026 and unveiled a series of management changes, including a new CFO, regional leadership adjustments, and the restructuring of its supply chain. The company also faced recent recalls and lowered its 2024 operating margin outlook.
Former Pfizer CEO Ian Read and ex-CFO Frank D’Amelio have publicly thrown their support behind current CEO Albert Bourla, distancing themselves from the activist campaign led by Starboard Value. Their statement comes as Starboard, known for its aggressive tactics, has built a significant stake in Pfizer, prompting a showdown with the company’s board.
Anna Marie Presutti, a seasoned tourism industry leader, has been appointed as the new President and CEO of San Francisco Travel, the city’s official destination marketing organization. Presutti, who previously served as interim CEO, brings over two decades of experience to the role and is committed to restoring the city’s convention business and promoting its diverse attractions.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has issued a statement outlining the company’s approach to unionization and announced plans to revamp the in-store experience. The company is working with Workers United to create a framework for single-store contracts and emphasizes a commitment to engaging constructively with unions. While facing falling sales and increased unionization efforts, Starbucks is also looking to return to its core values of community and in-store experience.
CRH PLC announced that CEO Albert Manifold will retire at the end of 2024, and will be succeeded by Jim Mintern, the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Manifold joined CRH in 1998 and became CEO in 2014. Mintern has been CRH’s CFO since 2021.
Stellantis, the Italian automaker, is searching for a new CEO to replace Carlos Tavares, whose contract expires in 2026. This comes amidst a period of declining profits and criticism from both dealers and the UAW union. The company is facing challenges in North America, with shrinking market share and operational issues, leading to a significant drop in profits for the first half of 2024.
