Several candidates seen as possible replacements left the company. Mr Iger eventually handed the title to Mr Chapek shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic caused huge disruption. Disney's share price has fallen 51pc since March 2021. Mr Peltz has also sparked unrest at consumer goods giant Unilever after joining the company's board in May last year. Investors are expecting the activist to push through change at the group, which has been accused of "virtue signalling" and was embroiled in a lengthy internal row with Ben & Jerry's after the ice cream brand refused to sell its products in the West Bank. Mr Peltz is said to have sounded out several potential candidates to succeed chief executive Alan Jope, who has announced plans to step down at the end of the year.