Gold Follows Roy Disney’s Lead

Another prominent figure has left Walt Disney Co.’s board of directors following Roy Disney’s abrupt departure on Sunday. Yesterday, corporate lawyer Stanley Gold stepped down from his seat and also criticized CEO Michael Eisner’s handling of the company.

In his letter of resignation, Gold, a partner in Shamrock Holdings with Roy Disney, reportedly blasted the board for protecting Eisner and isolating directors who questioned management decisions.

Disney’s resignation is widely viewed as a pre-emptive move as the board informed the 73-year-old vice chairman that he would not be exempt from the recently enstated mandatory retirement age of 72. Two other directors over the age limit–former CapCities/ABC chairman Thomas Murphy, 77, and Irvine Co. vice chairman Raymond Watson, 76–are expected to leave the board as well.