Disney may split top post to placate shareholders

The US press has reported that the board of directors at Walt Disney Co. is considering a plan to separate the post of chief executive officer from that of chairman.

Michael Eisner currently holds both executive positions at the entertainment giant and Dow Jones Industrials component.

Splitting the top two positions reportedly could be announced as early as today, coinciding with the group's annual meeting in Philadelphia.

A group of dissident shareholders has been pressing for Eisner's removal but the report says it is unclear whether separate executives serving as chairman and CEO would be sufficient to placate restless shareholders.