Disney Offers Execs Voluntary Early Retirement Packages

Disney is offering longtime executives early retirement packages amid larger cost-cutting efforts and ongoing layoffs.

The offer, announced in a memo to staff sent by Senior EVP and Chief People Officer Sonia Coleman on Monday, the time-limited, company-sponsored Voluntary Early Retirement Offer (VERO) program is set to give eligible executives the opportunity to retire now with an enhanced retirement package that “recognizes their service and contributions.”

The offer will include separation pay, continued vesting of existing equity awards, healthcare support at active employee rates, and continued Silver Pass access to Disney theme parks.

“We recognize that retirement from the company is a deeply personal decision,” Coleman wrote. “For those who receive this opportunity, our goal is to ensure they have the information, time, and support needed to make the choice that is right for them.”

The offer will be available to U.S.-based employees at the director through EVP levels within the Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and corporate divisions, who meet 65 points (calculated by age + years of service), with a minimum age of 50 and at least 10 years of service. Employees on contract are not eligible for the early retirement offer.

On an earnings call with analysts earlier in August, Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro and CFO Hugh Johnston indicated more layoffs and cost-reduction measures were forthcoming following rounds of cuts in April and July.

See Coleman’s letter, which was sent to staff members ranked “director” or higher, in full below.

Dear Leaders,

Over the past few years, we’ve made real changes to how we operate, and we’re still in that process. As you heard on our most recent earnings call, we’re focused on meaningfully reducing costs as part of our ongoing transformation, so we can continue to invest in the areas that will drive our future growth: content, technology, and experiences….