Chief Executive, Walt Disney Co.

Chapek gets kudos for Disney+ becoming the most successful video streamer of any of Hollywood’s major studios, which is part of a companywide pivot to the direct-to-home distribution model. Disney+ has 130 million subscribers worldwide, including its India venture. However, Chapek waded into external social issues, criticizing a Florida law prohibiting sex education in schools for youngsters; as a result, Florida politicians removed some Disney self-administration privileges. Most of Disney’s businesses ride high, but its ESPN TV sports behemoth is caught up in cable cord-cutting, and its resorts-theme parks-cruise ships sector is still recovering from the pandemic. Chapek started at Disney in 1993.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 3