Advisory firm balks at Steve Jobs's Disney board role

An influential shareholder advisory firm is recommending that Walt Disney Co investors vote against Steve Jobs's return to the media company's board, citing his poor attendance record at board meetings.

Advisory firm Glass Lewis & Co said the Apple chief executive attended less than 75% of the meetings held by the board in fiscal year 2010.

Jobs, who has been treated for a rare form of pancreatic cancer, has been out on medical leave from Apple since January for an undisclosed condition. But Glass Lewis said in a report that, "We note that this is the third time in four years where Mr Jobs has been unable to meet this attendance threshold."

"We believe that in light of Mr Jobs' continued medical problems, shareholders would be better served by a director able to make the necessary commitment to the company," the Glass Lewis report said.

Jobs is Disney's largest shareholder with 7.29% of the shares, according to Glass Lewis.

The firm also recommended that shareholders vote against six other board members in addition to Jobs. Disney's annual shareholder meeting is Wednesday.

Disney and Apple representatives were not immediately available for comment.