Bob Iger Is Disney CEO Again

Jay Cochran - November 20, 2022

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced today that Robert A. Iger is returning to lead Disney as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Iger, who spent more than four decades at the Company, including 15 years as its CEO, has agreed to serve as Disney’s CEO for two years, with a mandate from the Board to set the strategic direction for renewed growth and to work closely with the Board in developing a successor to lead the Company at the completion of his term. Mr. Iger succeeds Bob Chapek, who has stepped down from his position.

“We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board. “The Board has concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely situated to lead the Company through this pivotal period.”

“Mr. Iger has the deep respect of Disney’s senior leadership team, most of whom he worked closely with until his departure as executive chairman 11 months ago, and he is greatly admired by Disney employees worldwide—all of which will allow for a seamless transition of leadership,” she said.

The position of Chairman of the Board remains unchanged, with Ms. Arnold serving in that capacity.

“I am extremely optimistic for the future of this great company and thrilled to be asked by the Board to return as its CEO,” Mr. Iger said. “Disney and its incomparable brands and franchises hold a special place in the hearts of so many people around the globe—most especially in the hearts of our employees, whose dedication to this company and its mission is an inspiration. I am deeply honored to be asked to again lead this remarkable team, with a clear mission focused on creative excellence to inspire generations through unrivaled, bold storytelling.”

During his 15 years as CEO, from 2005 to 2020, Mr. Iger helped build Disney into one of the world’s most successful and admired media and entertainment companies with a strategic vision focused on creative excellence, technological innovation and international growth. He expanded on Disney’s legacy of unparalleled storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox and increased the Company’s market capitalization fivefold during his time as CEO. Mr. Iger continued to direct Disney’s creative endeavors until his departure as Executive Chairman last December, and the Company’s robust pipeline of content is a testament to his leadership and vision.

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Last 10 comments - ( Read All Posts )

Faust - 2022-12-06 @ 5:34 pm

On 11/21/2022 at 8:08 PM, Satam said:
Kevin Feige is in charge of Marvel studios (that includes both movies and tv), and there's no way Iger is going to change that.

Iger gave more creative freedom whereas Chapek insisted on following data and trends and acting accordingly, hence the god awful shift in tone in majority projects across all of Disney's Infinity studios

Atlantis - 2022-11-21 @ 10:54 pm

If they have any sense at all, they won't mess with the golden goose. Outside of some egregious unforgivable crime, I don't think Feige's going anywhere.

Satam - 2022-11-21 @ 8:08 pm

On 11/21/2022 at 4:44 AM, Faust said:
Although I have my issues with Disney, Chapek was a god awful CEO, hated by his peers and tried to block others from challenging his position. Hopefully with Iger back we can also see someone come in as TV producer for MCU as Phase 4 has been all over the place

Kevin Feige is in charge of Marvel studios (that includes both movies and tv), and there's no way Iger is going to change that.

Faust - 2022-11-21 @ 9:44 am

Although I have my issues with Disney, Chapek was a god awful CEO, hated by his peers and tried to block others from challenging his position. Hopefully with Iger back we can also see someone come in as TV producer for MCU as Phase 4 has been all over the place

icematta - 2022-11-21 @ 5:51 am

What happened to the comment section? Oh well, more into the story, always felt Chapek was out of his dept with some of the comments and decisions he made...

JayC - 2022-11-21 @ 3:21 am

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced today that Robert A. Iger is returning to lead Disney as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Iger, who spent more than four decades at the Company, including 15 years as its CEO, has agreed to serve as Disneys CEO for two years, with a mandate from the Board to set the strategic direction for renewed growth and to work closely with the Board in developing a successor to lead the Company at the completion of his term. Mr. Iger succeeds Bob Chapek, who has stepped down from his position.We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, said Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board. The Board has concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely situated to lead the Company through this pivotal period.Mr. Iger has the deep respect of Disneys senior leadership team, most of whom he worked closely with until his departure as executive chairman 11 months ago, and he is greatly admired by Disney employees worldwideall of which will allow for a seamless transition of leadership, she said.The position of Chairman of the Board remains unchanged, with Ms. Arnold serving in that capacity.I am extremely optimistic for the future of this great company and thrilled to be asked by the Board to return as its CEO, Mr. Iger said. Disney and its incomparable brands and franchises hold a special place in the hearts of so many people around the globemost especially in the hearts of our employees, whose dedication to this company and its mission is an inspiration. I am deeply honored to be asked to again lead this remarkable team, with a clear mission focused on creative excellence to inspire generations through unrivaled, bold storytelling.During his 15 years as CEO, from 2005 to 2020, Mr. Iger helped build Disney into one of the worlds most successful and admired media and entertainment companies with a strategic vision focused on creative excellence, technological innovation and international growth. He expanded on Disneys legacy of unparalleled storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox and increased the Companys market capitalization fivefold during his time as CEO. Mr. Iger continued to direct Disneys creative endeavors until his departure as Executive Chairman last December, and the Companys robust pipeline of content is a testament to his leadership and vision.