Nike Chief Joins Disney Board

The board of Walt Disney Co. has elected Mark Parker, chief executive of Nike Inc., as a director. Parker’s appointment brings the number of board members to 12 at the Burbank entertainment and media giant. He will be up for re-election on March 3 at Disney’s annual meeting in Chicago. Parker has been chief executive and president of Nike since 2006, having joined the sports footwear company as one of the original shoe designers in 1979. Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said Parker’s background in international markets make him a great fit for the Disney board. Parker said he looked forward to working with the other directors as Disney sets its sights on the future. “For decades, Disney has delivered truly elevated consumer experiences globally, inspiring generations with creativity and vision,” Parker said in a prepared statement. Parker’s election was announced on Monday. Shares closed on Tuesday up $1.54, or 1.5 percent, to $101.46 on the New York Stock Exchange.