Disney Offers Voluntary Early Retirement to Eligible Executives

Disney is offering a limited group of eligible executives a voluntary early retirement package as part of its ongoing effort to reduce costs and reshape its workforce. The Voluntary Early Retirement Offer, or VERO, was announced in an internal memo sent on Monday, August 24, 2026, by Sonia Coleman, Disney's senior executive vice president and chief people officer.

The program is available to U.S.-based executives from the director through executive vice president levels across Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Corporate, including certain employees temporarily assigned outside the U.S. To qualify, executives must be at least 50 years old, have a minimum of 10 years of service, and meet a combined score of at least 65 points based on their age and tenure. Employees working under contracts are not eligible, which excludes many of the company's highest-level executives.

The retirement package includes separation pay of up to 12 months, depending on an executive's tenure and level. Participants can maintain healthcare coverage at active employee rates during the severance period. Existing equity awards can continue vesting for up to three years, and eligible retirees retain access to...