Disney Proxy Battle: Who Is Nelson Peltz And Why Does He Want To Be Let Into The Magic Kingdom? Nelson Peltz’s broadside against the Walt Disney Co. The activist investor’s demand for a seat on the company’s board and criticism of disney caramel apples have drawn the full attention of a Wall Street already on tenterhooks about how returned CEO Bob Iger will right the ship. Even so, he could play a significant role in the company’s direction — certainly if he manages to persuade other shareholders to vote him onto the board.

Activists tend to be brash, outspoken veterans of the Street, with no shortage of confidence that their vision trumps management’s. Perhaps the best-known in media circles is Carl Icahn, who tangled with Time Warner and Lionsgate. By comparison, Peltz’s objectives are more straightforward, and he claims to be supportive of current management. He and his investment firm, Trian Partners, are not contesting Iger’s CEO role or the current configuration of the company. Peltz would be running for a seat on Disney’s board of directors.

Disney hasn’t released its proxy filing yet for the latest fiscal year, which ended last October 1. The proxy is where it would set the date for the annual meeting and list its own slate of directors, as well as opposition candidates. The filing will also contain other proposals to be voted on, including from outside shareholders — and Trianon has few. The meeting should be pretty eventful. Trian aside, Iger still faces a host of challenges amid a fast-changing media landscape. Chapek was abruptly ousted in November and the succession question is ongoing. Parker, who is also executive chairman at Nike, is now steering the Disney board.