Bob Iger: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Bob Iger
| name         = Bob Iger
| birth_name   = Robert Alan Iger
| birth_name   = Robert Alan Iger
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1951|2|10}}
| birth_date   = {{birth date and age|1951|2|10}}
| birth_place   = New York City, New York, U.S.
| birth_place = New York City, New York, U.S.
| nationality   = American
| nationality = American
| occupation   = Media executive
| occupation   = Media executive
| known_for     = CEO of [[The Walt Disney Company]]
| known_for   = CEO of [[The Walt Disney Company]]
| title         = Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company
| title       = Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company
| employer     = [[The Walt Disney Company]]
| employer     = [[The Walt Disney Company]]
| education     = [[Ithaca College]] (B.S.)
| education   = [[Ithaca College]] (B.S.)
| spouse       = {{plainlist|
| spouse       = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Susan Iger|1977|1994|end=div}}
* {{marriage|Susan Iger|1977|1994|end=div}}
* {{marriage|[[Willow Bay]]|1995}}
* {{marriage|[[Willow Bay]]|1995}}
}}
}}
| awards       = {{plainlist|
| awards       = {{plainlist|
* [[Emmy Award]]
* [[Emmy Award]]
* Inducted into [[Television Academy Hall of Fame]]
* [[Order of the British Empire|Honorary KBE]]
}}
}}
| website       = {{URL|https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/}}
| website     = {{URL|https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/}}
}}
}}


'''Robert Alan Iger''' (born February 10, 1951) is an American media executive who serves as the chief executive officer (CEO) of [[The Walt Disney Company]]. Across a career spanning more than five decades in the media industry, Iger rose from an entry-level position at [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] to the top of the world's largest entertainment conglomerate. He first served as CEO of Disney from 2005 to 2020, during which time he oversaw a period of significant expansion that included the acquisitions of [[Pixar]], [[Marvel Entertainment]], [[Lucasfilm]], and the entertainment assets of [[21st Century Fox]], as well as the launch of the streaming platform [[Disney+]]. Under his initial fifteen-year leadership, Disney's market capitalization grew from approximately $56 billion to $231 billion. After serving as executive chairman and formally retiring on December 31, 2021, Iger returned to the CEO role on November 20, 2022, following the board's dismissal of his successor, [[Bob Chapek]]. In July 2023, Disney renewed Iger's contract until 2026, though in early 2026, Iger indicated he would step down before the contract's expiration, with [[Josh D'Amaro]] announced as his successor effective March 18, 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-03 |title=Disney names parks boss Josh D'Amaro as new CEO to replace Bob Iger |url=https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/media/disney-new-ceo-josh-damaro-bob-iger |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Iger's tenure at Disney has been defined by a strategy centered on the acquisition and management of premium intellectual property, international theme park expansion, and a pivot to direct-to-consumer streaming services.
'''Robert Alan Iger''' (born February 10, 1951) is an American media executive who serves as the [[chief executive officer]] (CEO) of [[The Walt Disney Company]]. Over a career spanning more than five decades in the media industry, Iger rose from an entry-level position at [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] to the top of one of the world's largest entertainment conglomerates. He served as president of ABC from 1994 to 1995, then as president and chief operating officer of [[Capital Cities/ABC]] from 1995 until its acquisition by Disney in 1996.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert A. Iger — Executive Chairman |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/ |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Named president of Disney in 2000, Iger succeeded [[Michael Eisner]] as CEO in 2005 and led the company through a period of significant expansion, overseeing the acquisitions of [[Pixar]], [[Marvel Entertainment]], [[Lucasfilm]], and the entertainment assets of [[21st Century Fox]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2016-03-08 |title=Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> During his initial 15-year tenure as CEO, the company's market capitalization grew from approximately $56 billion to $231 billion. Iger stepped down as CEO in 2020 and served as executive chairman until his formal retirement on December 31, 2021. He returned to the CEO role on November 20, 2022, following the dismissal of his successor, [[Bob Chapek]], and his contract was renewed until 2026.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-03 |title=Disney names parks boss Josh D'Amaro as new CEO to replace Bob Iger |url=https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/media/disney-new-ceo-josh-damaro-bob-iger |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In February 2026, Disney announced that Josh D'Amaro would succeed Iger as CEO on March 18, 2026.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-03 |title=Disney names parks boss Josh D'Amaro as new CEO to replace Bob Iger |url=https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/media/disney-new-ceo-josh-damaro-bob-iger |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Robert Alan Iger was born on February 10, 1951, in [[New York City]], New York.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert A. Iger |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/ |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He grew up on [[Long Island]], where he was raised in a middle-class family. His father, Arthur L. Iger, worked in advertising and as a college professor, while his mother was a homemaker. Iger has spoken publicly about growing up in modest circumstances and the influence his family had on his work ethic and ambition.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Iger 1951— Biography |url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html |publisher=Reference for Business |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Robert Alan Iger was born on February 10, 1951, in [[New York City]], New York. He grew up on [[Long Island]], in a middle-class family.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Iger 1951– Biography |url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html |publisher=Reference for Business |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His father, Arthur L. Iger, worked in advertising and later as an executive at a marketing firm, while his mother, Mimi, was a homemaker. Iger has described a childhood shaped by his father's struggles with depression and the family's modest financial circumstances, experiences that he later credited with instilling in him a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed in the professional world.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Iger 1951– Biography |url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html |publisher=Reference for Business |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Iger attended local public schools on Long Island before pursuing higher education. From an early age, he demonstrated an interest in media and communications, interests that would shape the trajectory of his professional life.
Growing up, Iger attended public schools on Long Island. He developed interests in television and media at an early age, fascinated by the programming he watched and the possibilities of the medium. These formative experiences on Long Island would later prove foundational as he embarked on a career that would take him to the highest echelons of the American media industry.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Iger enrolled at [[Ithaca College]] in [[Ithaca, New York]], where he studied television and radio. He graduated from Ithaca College with a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert A. Iger |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/ |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Iger 1951— Biography |url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html |publisher=Reference for Business |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His education at Ithaca College, a school with a well-regarded communications program, provided him with a foundation in the broadcasting industry that he would enter immediately after graduation.
Iger attended [[Ithaca College]] in Ithaca, New York, where he studied television and radio. He graduated from the college's School of Communications with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Iger 1951– Biography |url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html |publisher=Reference for Business |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His education in broadcasting and communications provided the technical and creative grounding for what would become a long career in the television and entertainment industry. Iger has maintained a connection with Ithaca College throughout his career.


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Early Career at ABC ===
=== Early Career at ABC ===


Iger began his career at the [[American Broadcasting Company]] (ABC) in 1974, joining the network at a low-level position shortly after completing his education. He steadily advanced through the organization over the following two decades, gaining experience across various departments and divisions of the network.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Iger 1951— Biography |url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html |publisher=Reference for Business |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
After graduating from Ithaca College in 1973, Iger began his career in the television industry at [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], starting in a low-level position. He worked his way through various roles within the network over the course of nearly two decades, gaining experience across multiple divisions of the company. His early assignments gave him an operational understanding of television production, programming, and the business side of the broadcasting industry.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Iger 1951– Biography |url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html |publisher=Reference for Business |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


By 1989, Iger had risen to a senior role within the network. That year, ABC named him president of ABC Entertainment, a position in which he oversaw the network's programming strategy and content development.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=1989-03-24 |title=ABC Names Its President of Entertainment |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/24/arts/abc-names-its-president-of-entertainment.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In 1993, he was promoted further within the ABC organizational structure, overseeing a regrouping of the network's divisions in a reorganization that expanded his portfolio of responsibilities.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=1993 |title=ABC Ups Iger, Regroups Divisions |url=https://variety.com/1993/scene/news/abc-ups-iger-regroups-divisions-108981/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
By the late 1980s, Iger had risen to a senior leadership position within ABC. In March 1989, he was named president of [[ABC Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite news |date=1989-03-24 |title=ABC Names Its President of Entertainment |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/24/arts/abc-names-its-president-of-entertainment.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In this role, Iger oversaw the network's programming and creative output during a competitive period in American broadcasting. He was responsible for developing and scheduling the prime-time lineup and working with producers and talent to shape ABC's on-air identity.


Iger served as president of ABC from 1994 to 1995. When [[Capital Cities Communications|Capital Cities/ABC]] operated as a combined entity, Iger was named president and chief operating officer (COO), a position he held from 1995 until Disney's acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC in 1996. This acquisition brought Iger into the Disney fold and set the stage for his eventual ascent to the company's top leadership position.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert A. Iger |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/ |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In 1993, Iger was promoted within the ABC corporate structure, taking on broader responsibilities as the network reorganized its divisions.<ref>{{cite news |date=1993 |title=ABC Ups Iger, Regroups Divisions |url=https://variety.com/1993/scene/news/abc-ups-iger-regroups-divisions-108981/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> By 1994, he had been named president of ABC, Inc., the parent entity of the television network, giving him oversight of the company's full range of broadcast operations.


=== Rise Within Disney ===
=== Capital Cities/ABC and Disney Acquisition ===


Following Disney's acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC, Iger continued to serve in senior operational roles within the larger company. In 2000, he was named president of The Walt Disney Company, effectively making him the second-ranking executive behind then-CEO [[Michael Eisner]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2000 |title=Iger Tapped No. 2 as Mouse TV Booms |url=https://variety.com/2000/biz/news/iger-tapped-no-2-as-mouse-tv-booms-1117765636/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In this capacity, Iger oversaw the company's day-to-day operations and played an increasingly central role in strategic decision-making at a time when Disney was facing significant creative and corporate challenges under Eisner's leadership.
In 1995, Iger became president and chief operating officer (COO) of [[Capital Cities/ABC]], the media conglomerate that owned ABC. This appointment placed him at the top of one of the largest media companies in the United States at the time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert A. Iger — Executive Chairman |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/ |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Iger succeeded Eisner as CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 2005. The transition came amid a period of corporate upheaval at Disney, which had faced a protracted boardroom conflict and public criticism of Eisner's management. Iger's appointment was viewed as an opportunity for a change in direction.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2005-03-14 |title=A New No. 1 at Disney |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32493-2005Mar13.html |work=The Washington Post |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2005 |title=Taming the Mouse |url=http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5442077 |work=The Economist |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
The same year, The Walt Disney Company announced its acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC in a deal that was among the largest media mergers of the 1990s. The merger, completed in 1996, brought ABC, [[ESPN]], and other media properties under the Disney umbrella. As part of the transition, Iger continued to serve in a senior leadership capacity, managing the integration of the ABC businesses into the larger Disney corporate structure. His operational expertise and familiarity with the television business made him a key figure in the post-merger organization.


=== First Tenure as CEO (2005–2020) ===
=== President of The Walt Disney Company ===


Iger's first tenure as CEO of Disney, from 2005 to 2020, was characterized by a series of large-scale acquisitions that substantially expanded the company's portfolio of intellectual properties and content capabilities.
In January 2000, Iger was named president and chief operating officer of The Walt Disney Company by then-CEO [[Michael Eisner]].<ref>{{cite news |date=2000 |title=Iger Tapped No. 2 as Mouse TV Booms |url=https://variety.com/2000/biz/news/iger-tapped-no-2-as-mouse-tv-booms-1117765636/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In this role, Iger served as Eisner's top deputy, overseeing day-to-day operations of the company and its various business segments, which included theme parks, filmed entertainment, media networks, and consumer products.
 
The early 2000s were a period of turmoil for Disney, marked by public disputes between Eisner and prominent board members, including [[Roy E. Disney]], as well as a contested proxy fight. Amid these corporate governance challenges, Iger emerged as the internal candidate to succeed Eisner. He was named Eisner's successor-designate, and the transition was closely watched by Wall Street and the media industry.
 
=== CEO of Disney: First Tenure (2005–2020) ===
 
On October 1, 2005, Iger officially succeeded Michael Eisner as CEO of The Walt Disney Company.<ref>{{cite news |date=2005-03-14 |title=Disney's New World |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32493-2005Mar13.html |work=The Washington Post |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2006-01-19 |title=A Magic Kingdom at War |url=http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5442077 |work=The Economist |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His appointment came at a time when the company's relationships with key creative partners—most notably [[Pixar Animation Studios]] and its leader, [[Steve Jobs]]—had deteriorated under Eisner's leadership. One of Iger's first priorities was to repair these relationships and reposition Disney for growth.


==== Acquisition of Pixar ====
==== Acquisition of Pixar ====


One of Iger's earliest and most consequential strategic moves was the acquisition of [[Pixar|Pixar Animation Studios]] in 2006 for approximately $7.4 billion. The deal brought Pixar's creative leadership, including [[John Lasseter]] and [[Ed Catmull]], into the Disney organization and was instrumental in revitalizing [[Walt Disney Animation Studios]], which had experienced a decline in critical and commercial performance in the years preceding the acquisition. The purchase also strengthened Disney's relationship with [[Steve Jobs]], who had been Pixar's majority shareholder and became Disney's largest individual shareholder as a result of the transaction.
In January 2006, Disney announced the acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios for approximately $7.4 billion in an all-stock transaction. The deal brought Pixar, the studio behind commercially and critically successful animated films including ''[[Toy Story]]'', ''[[Finding Nemo]]'', and ''[[The Incredibles]]'', fully into the Disney fold. The acquisition also brought Steve Jobs onto the Disney board of directors as the company's largest individual shareholder, and placed Pixar's creative leaders, [[John Lasseter]] and [[Ed Catmull]], in charge of [[Walt Disney Animation Studios]].<ref>{{cite news |date=2016-03-08 |title=Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The Pixar acquisition was seen as a turning point that reinvigorated Disney's animation output and established a template for Iger's subsequent acquisition strategy.


==== Acquisition of Marvel Entertainment ====
==== Acquisition of Marvel Entertainment ====


In 2009, Disney completed its acquisition of [[Marvel Entertainment]] for approximately $4 billion. The deal gave Disney control of Marvel's extensive library of comic book characters, including [[Iron Man]], [[Captain America]], [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]], and [[The Avengers (Marvel Comics)|The Avengers]]. Under Disney's ownership, [[Marvel Studios]] went on to produce the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]], which became one of the most commercially successful film franchises in history. The acquisition was a key component of Iger's broader strategy of building Disney's content offerings around established, globally recognized intellectual properties.
In August 2009, Disney announced its acquisition of [[Marvel Entertainment]] for approximately $4 billion. The deal gave Disney control over Marvel's extensive library of comic book characters, including [[Iron Man]], [[Spider-Man]] (subject to existing licensing arrangements), [[Captain America]], [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]], and [[the Avengers]].<ref>{{cite news |date=2016-03-08 |title=Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Under Disney's ownership, the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU) became one of the most commercially successful film franchises in history, generating billions of dollars in box office revenue and becoming a cornerstone of Disney's filmed entertainment strategy.


==== Acquisition of Lucasfilm ====
==== Acquisition of Lucasfilm ====


In October 2012, Disney announced its acquisition of [[Lucasfilm]] for approximately $4.06 billion, a deal that brought the [[Star Wars]] and [[Indiana Jones]] franchises under Disney's control. The acquisition was negotiated by Iger directly with Lucasfilm founder [[George Lucas]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2013-03-07 |title=How Disney Bought Lucasfilm—and Its Plans for 'Star Wars' |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-03-07/how-disney-bought-lucasfilm-and-its-plans-for-star-wars |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Disney subsequently produced a new trilogy of Star Wars films, beginning with ''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]'' in 2015, as well as standalone films and television series for its streaming platforms.
In October 2012, Disney announced its acquisition of [[Lucasfilm]] for approximately $4.06 billion. The deal brought the ''[[Star Wars]]'' and ''[[Indiana Jones]]'' franchises under Disney ownership.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2013-03-07 |title=How Disney Bought Lucasfilm—and Its Plans for Star Wars |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-03-07/how-disney-bought-lucasfilm-and-its-plans-for-star-wars |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The acquisition was negotiated directly between Iger and Lucasfilm founder [[George Lucas]]. Disney subsequently announced plans for a new trilogy of ''Star Wars'' films, the first of which, ''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]'' (2015), earned more than $2 billion worldwide at the box office. The Lucasfilm acquisition further expanded Disney's portfolio of globally recognized intellectual properties and provided content for theme park expansions, including the ''Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge'' lands at [[Disneyland]] and [[Walt Disney World]].


==== International Theme Park Expansion ====
==== Acquisition of 21st Century Fox Assets ====


During Iger's tenure, Disney expanded its theme park presence in East Asia. [[Hong Kong Disneyland Resort]] opened in 2005, and [[Shanghai Disney Resort]] opened in 2016. The Shanghai resort represented one of the largest investments in Disney's history and was a focal point of Iger's strategy to grow the company's presence in the Chinese market.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2016-03-08 |title=Star Wars, Shanghai Disney |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In December 2017, Disney announced an agreement to acquire the entertainment assets of [[21st Century Fox]] for approximately $52.4 billion in stock; the deal was later revised to $71.3 billion in cash and stock following a competing bid from [[Comcast]]. The transaction, completed in March 2019, was the largest acquisition in Disney's history and one of the largest media deals ever. It brought 20th Century Fox's film and television studios, the [[FX Networks|FX]] cable networks, [[National Geographic Partners]], Fox's international assets including [[Star India]], and a controlling stake in [[Hulu]] under Disney's control.<ref>{{cite news |date=2016-03-08 |title=Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The Fox acquisition significantly expanded Disney's content library and international footprint and positioned the company to compete in the emerging streaming marketplace.


==== Acquisition of 21st Century Fox Assets ====
==== International Theme Park Expansion ====


In 2019, Disney completed its acquisition of the entertainment assets of [[21st Century Fox]] for approximately $71.3 billion, the largest acquisition in the company's history. The deal brought properties including [[20th Century Studios]] (formerly 20th Century Fox), [[FX Networks]], [[National Geographic Partners]], and a controlling stake in [[Hulu]] under the Disney umbrella. The acquisition significantly expanded Disney's content library and production capabilities, and positioned the company for its push into the direct-to-consumer streaming business.
Under Iger's leadership, Disney expanded its theme park presence in East Asia. [[Hong Kong Disneyland Resort]] opened in 2005, the same year Iger became CEO.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert A. Iger — Executive Chairman |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/ |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> More significantly, Iger led the development and opening of [[Shanghai Disney Resort]] in mainland China, which opened in June 2016 after years of negotiations with the Chinese government and a construction investment of approximately $5.5 billion.<ref>{{cite news |date=2016-03-08 |title=Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The Shanghai resort represented Disney's largest international investment and was seen as a critical step in expanding the company's reach into the world's most populous country.


==== Launch of Disney+ ====
==== Launch of Disney+ and Streaming Strategy ====


A central element of Iger's later strategy during his first tenure was the development and launch of [[Disney+]], the company's direct-to-consumer streaming service. Disney+ launched in November 2019 and quickly attracted a large subscriber base, drawing on the extensive content libraries of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. The launch represented a strategic pivot for Disney toward streaming as a primary distribution model, alongside its traditional theatrical and linear television businesses. Iger also oversaw increased investment in [[Hulu]], which Disney gained majority control of through the Fox acquisition.
In the latter years of Iger's first tenure as CEO, Disney made a major strategic pivot toward direct-to-consumer streaming services. The company launched [[Disney+]] in November 2019, entering a market dominated by [[Netflix]] and other incumbents. Disney+ offered a library of content drawn from Disney's various brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. The service attracted tens of millions of subscribers in its first months of operation. Disney also took operational control of [[Hulu]] following the Fox acquisition, making it a key component of the company's streaming portfolio.


==== Contract Extensions ====
==== Contract Extensions and Succession Challenges ====


Iger's contract as CEO was extended multiple times during his first tenure. In 2014, Disney extended his contract through 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2014-10-02 |title=Disney Extends Bob Iger's Contract Until 2018 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/disney-extends-bob-igers-contract-until-2018-1412273135 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2014 |title=Disney Extends Bob Iger Contract Through 2018 |url=https://variety.com/2014/biz/news/disney-extends-bob-iger-contract-through-2018-1201319561/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Subsequent extensions pushed the expiration date further, reflecting the board's desire to retain Iger amid ongoing challenges in finding a suitable successor.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date= |title=Disney's Dilemma: Can Bob Iger Ever Find a Successor? |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disneys-dilemma-can-bob-iger-ever-find-a-successor-989599 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2017-03-23 |title=Disney CEO succession |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-disney-ceo-idUSKBN16U23I |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The question of CEO succession at Disney became a recurring topic of discussion in the media industry throughout the latter years of Iger's first tenure.
Iger's contract as CEO was extended multiple times during his first tenure. In 2014, Disney extended his contract through June 2018.<ref>{{cite news |date=2014 |title=Disney Extends Bob Iger Contract Through 2018 |url=https://variety.com/2014/biz/news/disney-extends-bob-iger-contract-through-2018-1201319561/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2014-10-02 |title=Disney Extends Bob Iger's Contract Until 2018 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/disney-extends-bob-igers-contract-until-2018-1412273135 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The question of CEO succession became a recurring subject of industry discussion throughout his tenure.<ref>{{cite news |title=Disney's Dilemma: Can Bob Iger Ever Find a Successor? |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disneys-dilemma-can-bob-iger-ever-find-a-successor-989599 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Iger was further extended in his role on multiple occasions, with the company citing the importance of continuity and the complexity of ongoing strategic initiatives. He eventually stepped down as CEO on February 25, 2020, at which point [[Bob Chapek]], then head of Disney's parks, experiences, and products division, was named as his successor.


=== Executive Chairman and Retirement (2020–2021) ===
=== Executive Chairman and Retirement (2020–2021) ===


Iger's contract as CEO expired in 2020, and he transitioned to the role of executive chairman of The Walt Disney Company. [[Bob Chapek]], who had led Disney's parks, experiences, and products division, was named as Iger's successor as CEO. In the executive chairman role, Iger continued to provide strategic guidance and oversaw the company's creative endeavors. He formally retired from the company on December 31, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert A. Iger |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/ |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
After stepping down as CEO in February 2020, Iger remained with Disney as executive chairman, a role in which he was tasked with overseeing creative direction and guiding the company during the transition to new leadership.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert A. Iger — Executive Chairman |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/ |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His tenure as executive chairman coincided with the onset of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], which severely disrupted Disney's theme park, cruise line, and theatrical film businesses. Iger formally retired from Disney on December 31, 2021.


=== Return as CEO (2022–2026) ===
=== Return as CEO (2022–2026) ===


On November 20, 2022, at the request of Disney's board of directors, Iger returned to the company as CEO following the board's decision to dismiss Chapek. The move came amid declining subscriber growth at Disney+, significant financial losses in the streaming division, and broader concerns about the company's strategic direction under Chapek's leadership. Iger's return was announced as a stabilizing measure intended to restore confidence among investors, creative partners, and employees.
On November 20, 2022, Disney's board of directors dismissed Bob Chapek as CEO and asked Iger to return to lead the company. The board cited the need for experienced leadership during a period of financial and operational challenges, including significant losses in the streaming business and a decline in the company's stock price.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-03 |title=Disney names parks boss Josh D'Amaro as new CEO to replace Bob Iger |url=https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/media/disney-new-ceo-josh-damaro-bob-iger |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
Upon his return, Iger implemented a corporate restructuring, announced significant cost-cutting measures, and refocused the company's strategy around profitability in its streaming operations. In July 2023, Disney renewed Iger's contract through 2026.


In July 2023, Disney renewed Iger's contract, extending it until 2026. During his second tenure, Iger focused on restructuring the company's operations, improving profitability in the streaming business, and addressing cost concerns across the organization.
In early 2026, Iger indicated to associates that he planned to step down as CEO before his contract expired.<ref>{{cite news |title=Exclusive: Iger Has Told Associates He Plans to Leave CEO Role Before Contract Expires |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/media/iger-has-told-associates-he-plans-to-leave-ceo-role-before-contract-expires-35406a7b |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> On February 3, 2026, Disney announced that [[Josh D'Amaro]], who had been leading the company's parks, experiences, and products division, would succeed Iger as CEO on March 18, 2026.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-03 |title=Disney names parks boss Josh D'Amaro as new CEO to replace Bob Iger |url=https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/media/disney-new-ceo-josh-damaro-bob-iger |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The choice of D'Amaro was scrutinized by some shareholders, including activist investor [[Nelson Peltz]], who accused Iger of influencing the succession process.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02 |title=Nelson Peltz Accuses Bob Iger of Backing Josh D'Amaro as CEO to Retain Power at Disney |url=https://variety.com/2026/film/news/nelson-peltz-accuses-bob-iger-josh-damaro-disney-1236651272/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In early 2026, reports indicated that Iger had told associates he planned to step down before his contract's expiration.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02 |title=Iger Has Told Associates He Plans to Leave CEO Role Before Contract Expires |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/media/iger-has-told-associates-he-plans-to-leave-ceo-role-before-contract-expires-35406a7b |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> On February 3, 2026, Disney announced that Josh D'Amaro, the head of Disney's parks, experiences, and products division, would succeed Iger as CEO effective March 18, 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-03 |title=Disney names parks boss Josh D'Amaro as new CEO to replace Bob Iger |url=https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/media/disney-new-ceo-josh-damaro-bob-iger |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The succession announcement drew criticism from activist investor [[Nelson Peltz]], who accused Iger of selecting D'Amaro to retain influence over the company after his departure.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02 |title=Nelson Peltz Accuses Bob Iger of Backing Josh D'Amaro as CEO to Retain Power at Disney |url=https://variety.com/2026/film/news/nelson-peltz-accuses-bob-iger-josh-damaro-disney-1236651272/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
During his final weeks as CEO, Iger announced a partnership between Disney and [[OpenAI]] to integrate AI-generated video content, created with OpenAI's Sora tool, onto the Disney+ platform. Iger stated that the AI-created content would not affect Disney's other programming commitments.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02 |title=Disney's OpenAI Video Pact Will Not Affect Its Other Programming, CEO Bob Iger Says |url=https://deadline.com/2026/02/disney-openai-sora-video-bob-iger-1236705948/ |work=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


During his final weeks as CEO, Iger also announced a partnership between Disney and [[OpenAI]] involving the use of OpenAI's Sora video generation technology on Disney+, while stating that the arrangement would not affect other Disney programming.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02 |title=Disney's OpenAI Video Pact Will Not Affect Its Other Programming, CEO Bob Iger Says |url=https://deadline.com/2026/02/disney-openai-sora-video-bob-iger-1236705948/ |work=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In February 2026, Iger was reported as a potential replacement for [[Casey Wasserman]] as chair of the [[2028 Summer Olympics|LA28 Olympic Games]] organizing committee.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Report: Bob Iger floated as potential replacement for Casey Wasserman as LA28 chair |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/02/23/report-bob-iger-floated-as-potential-replacement-for-casey-wasserman-as-la28-chair/ |work=Sports Business Journal |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Political Activities ===
=== Political Activities ===


Iger briefly served on President [[Donald Trump]]'s business advisory council before resigning from it in June 2017 following the Trump administration's decision to withdraw the United States from the [[Paris Agreement|Paris Climate Accord]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2017-06-01 |title=Disney CEO Bob Iger Resigns From Trump's Advisory Council Over Paris Accord Decision |url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/disney-ceo-bob-iger-resigns-from-trumps-advisory-council-over-paris-accord-decision-1202451184/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In June 2017, Iger resigned from [[President of the United States|President]] [[Donald Trump]]'s business advisory council following the Trump administration's decision to withdraw the United States from the [[Paris Agreement]] on climate change.<ref>{{cite news |date=2017-06-01 |title=Disney CEO Bob Iger Resigns From Trump's Advisory Council Over Paris Accord Decision |url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/disney-ceo-bob-iger-resigns-from-trumps-advisory-council-over-paris-accord-decision-1202451184/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Iger had been the subject of periodic speculation about a potential run for political office, including the U.S. presidency, though he never formally entered politics as a candidate.
 
Iger has been associated with [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] political causes. He has hosted fundraising events for [[Hillary Clinton]]'s presidential campaigns.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date= |title=Hillary Clinton Fundraisers Coming to Beverly Hills |url=http://bhcourier.com/beverly-hills-news-hillary-clinton-fundraisers-coming-to-beverly-hills/ |work=Beverly Hills Courier |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
As of February 2026, Iger was reported to have been floated as a potential replacement for Casey Wasserman as chair of the [[2028 Summer Olympics|LA28]] Olympic organizing committee, though no formal appointment had been announced.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-23 |title=Report: Bob Iger floated as potential replacement for Casey Wasserman as LA28 chair |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/02/23/report-bob-iger-floated-as-potential-replacement-for-casey-wasserman-as-la28-chair/ |work=Sports Business Journal |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Iger was married to Susan Iger from 1977 until their divorce in 1994. They have two daughters together, including Kathleen Iger.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2005-09-25 |title=Kathleen Iger and Jarrod Cushing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/25/fashion/weddings/kathleen-iger-and-jarrod-cushing.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Iger married Susan Iger in 1977; the couple divorced in 1994. They have two daughters together, including Kathleen Iger, who married Jarrod Cushing in September 2005.<ref>{{cite news |date=2005-09-25 |title=Kathleen Iger and Jarrod Cushing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/25/fashion/weddings/kathleen-iger-and-jarrod-cushing.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In 1995, Iger married journalist and television anchor [[Willow Bay]], who later became dean of the [[USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism]]. Their wedding was reported by ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=1995-10-08 |title=Willow Bay and Robert Iger |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/08/style/willow-bay-and-robert-iger.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Iger and Bay have two children together.
In October 1995, Iger married [[Willow Bay]], a journalist and television personality who later became dean of the [[USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism]].<ref>{{cite news |date=1995-10-08 |title=Willow Bay and Robert Iger |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/08/style/willow-bay-and-robert-iger.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The couple has two sons together and resides in [[Los Angeles]], California.


Iger has resided in the [[Los Angeles]] area during his years leading Disney.
Iger is the author of ''The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company'', a memoir published in 2019 that chronicled his career and outlined his leadership principles.


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


During his career, Iger has received numerous awards and honors recognizing his contributions to the media and entertainment industry. He has been inducted into the [[Television Academy Hall of Fame]] in recognition of his impact on the television industry across his decades of work at ABC and Disney.
During his career, Iger has received numerous awards and honors for his leadership in the media and entertainment industry. He has been recognized with an [[Emmy Award]] for his contributions to the television industry. In recognition of his role in strengthening the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom through the entertainment industry, Iger was made an Honorary [[Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire]] (KBE).


Iger's leadership of Disney during a period of significant growth and transformation has been the subject of extensive coverage in business and entertainment media. During his initial fifteen-year stint as CEO, Disney's market capitalization grew from approximately $56 billion to $231 billion, a figure frequently cited as evidence of his strategic effectiveness. The acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and the 21st Century Fox entertainment assets collectively reshaped the landscape of the entertainment industry and consolidated a significant share of major film and television intellectual property under the Disney umbrella.
Iger has appeared on numerous lists of influential business leaders. ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine included him in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world. He has served on various boards and advisory organizations throughout his career.


His memoir, ''The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company'', was published in 2019 and became a bestseller.
His record of acquisitions—Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Fox—transformed the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry and established a model for intellectual-property-driven corporate strategy that was emulated by competitors across the media sector.


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Iger's impact on The Walt Disney Company and the broader media industry is principally measured through the series of transformative acquisitions he executed during his tenure as CEO. The purchases of Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox's entertainment assets — totaling more than $86 billion in combined deal value — fundamentally altered the company's competitive position and its portfolio of intellectual properties. These acquisitions gave Disney control over some of the most commercially valuable entertainment franchises in the world, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Star Wars saga, and Pixar's animated film library.
Iger's tenure as CEO of Disney is defined by a series of large-scale acquisitions that fundamentally reshaped the company and the broader entertainment industry. The purchases of Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, and the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox collectively assembled what became the most extensive portfolio of commercially valuable intellectual properties in the media business. Under Iger's leadership, Disney's market capitalization grew from approximately $56 billion in 2005 to $231 billion by 2020, reflecting the financial impact of these acquisitions and the broader strategic direction he set for the company.<ref>{{cite news |date=2016-03-08 |title=Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Under Iger's leadership, Disney also made a significant strategic pivot toward direct-to-consumer distribution with the launch of Disney+ in 2019, a move that reshaped the company's business model and contributed to broader industry shifts toward streaming. The expansion of Disney's theme park operations into China, particularly the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort in 2016, extended the company's global footprint in a key growth market.
The launch of Disney+ and the company's pivot toward direct-to-consumer streaming represented a significant strategic shift that aligned Disney with the changing patterns of media consumption. The expansion of Disney's theme park footprint into mainland China through Shanghai Disney Resort opened a new market for the company and represented one of the largest foreign direct investments in China's entertainment sector.


The question of succession remained a central challenge throughout Iger's leadership. His initial efforts to identify and groom a successor proved difficult, with multiple potential candidates departing the company before a transition could be completed. His return to the CEO role in 2022, after approximately one year of retirement, underscored both the board's reliance on his leadership and the complexity of replacing a long-tenured chief executive at a company of Disney's scale. His selection of Josh D'Amaro as his ultimate successor, announced in February 2026, represented his final major act as CEO.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02 |title=Bob Iger once fought to keep control at Disney. This time, he's stepping aside early. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/why-bob-iger-stepped-down-early-josh-damaro-disney-ceo-2026-2 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Iger's return to the CEO role in 2022, after less than a year of formal retirement, was an unusual event in corporate America and underscored the board's assessment of his importance to the company's direction. His second tenure focused on financial discipline, organizational restructuring, and the resolution of the succession question that had long been a subject of discussion among investors and industry observers.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02 |title=Bob Iger once fought to keep control at Disney. This time, he's stepping aside early. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/why-bob-iger-stepped-down-early-josh-damaro-disney-ceo-2026-2 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
The question of Iger's long-term legacy is closely linked to the performance of Disney under his successors and the sustainability of the strategic investments made during his tenure. The company he shaped—built on branded intellectual properties, international theme parks, and a streaming platform—remains at the center of the global entertainment industry.


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:American chief executives]]
[[Category:American chief executives]]
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[[Category:The Walt Disney Company executives]]
[[Category:American Broadcasting Company]]
[[Category:American Broadcasting Company]]
[[Category:Ithaca College alumni]]
[[Category:Ithaca College alumni]]
[[Category:People from New York City]]
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[[Category:American media executives]]
[[Category:People from New York City]]


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Revision as of 00:41, 24 February 2026

Bob Iger
BornRobert Alan Iger
10 2, 1951
BirthplaceNew York City, New York, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationMedia executive
TitleChief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company
EmployerThe Walt Disney Company
Known forCEO of The Walt Disney Company
EducationIthaca College (B.S.)
Spouse(s)Template:Plainlist
AwardsTemplate:Plainlist
Website[https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/ Official site]

Robert Alan Iger (born February 10, 1951) is an American media executive who serves as the chief executive officer (CEO) of The Walt Disney Company. Over a career spanning more than five decades in the media industry, Iger rose from an entry-level position at ABC to the top of one of the world's largest entertainment conglomerates. He served as president of ABC from 1994 to 1995, then as president and chief operating officer of Capital Cities/ABC from 1995 until its acquisition by Disney in 1996.[1] Named president of Disney in 2000, Iger succeeded Michael Eisner as CEO in 2005 and led the company through a period of significant expansion, overseeing the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, and the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox.[2] During his initial 15-year tenure as CEO, the company's market capitalization grew from approximately $56 billion to $231 billion. Iger stepped down as CEO in 2020 and served as executive chairman until his formal retirement on December 31, 2021. He returned to the CEO role on November 20, 2022, following the dismissal of his successor, Bob Chapek, and his contract was renewed until 2026.[3] In February 2026, Disney announced that Josh D'Amaro would succeed Iger as CEO on March 18, 2026.[4]

Early Life

Robert Alan Iger was born on February 10, 1951, in New York City, New York. He grew up on Long Island, in a middle-class family.[5] His father, Arthur L. Iger, worked in advertising and later as an executive at a marketing firm, while his mother, Mimi, was a homemaker. Iger has described a childhood shaped by his father's struggles with depression and the family's modest financial circumstances, experiences that he later credited with instilling in him a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed in the professional world.[6]

Growing up, Iger attended public schools on Long Island. He developed interests in television and media at an early age, fascinated by the programming he watched and the possibilities of the medium. These formative experiences on Long Island would later prove foundational as he embarked on a career that would take him to the highest echelons of the American media industry.

Education

Iger attended Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York, where he studied television and radio. He graduated from the college's School of Communications with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973.[7] His education in broadcasting and communications provided the technical and creative grounding for what would become a long career in the television and entertainment industry. Iger has maintained a connection with Ithaca College throughout his career.

Career

Early Career at ABC

After graduating from Ithaca College in 1973, Iger began his career in the television industry at ABC, starting in a low-level position. He worked his way through various roles within the network over the course of nearly two decades, gaining experience across multiple divisions of the company. His early assignments gave him an operational understanding of television production, programming, and the business side of the broadcasting industry.[8]

By the late 1980s, Iger had risen to a senior leadership position within ABC. In March 1989, he was named president of ABC Entertainment.[9] In this role, Iger oversaw the network's programming and creative output during a competitive period in American broadcasting. He was responsible for developing and scheduling the prime-time lineup and working with producers and talent to shape ABC's on-air identity.

In 1993, Iger was promoted within the ABC corporate structure, taking on broader responsibilities as the network reorganized its divisions.[10] By 1994, he had been named president of ABC, Inc., the parent entity of the television network, giving him oversight of the company's full range of broadcast operations.

Capital Cities/ABC and Disney Acquisition

In 1995, Iger became president and chief operating officer (COO) of Capital Cities/ABC, the media conglomerate that owned ABC. This appointment placed him at the top of one of the largest media companies in the United States at the time.[11]

The same year, The Walt Disney Company announced its acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC in a deal that was among the largest media mergers of the 1990s. The merger, completed in 1996, brought ABC, ESPN, and other media properties under the Disney umbrella. As part of the transition, Iger continued to serve in a senior leadership capacity, managing the integration of the ABC businesses into the larger Disney corporate structure. His operational expertise and familiarity with the television business made him a key figure in the post-merger organization.

President of The Walt Disney Company

In January 2000, Iger was named president and chief operating officer of The Walt Disney Company by then-CEO Michael Eisner.[12] In this role, Iger served as Eisner's top deputy, overseeing day-to-day operations of the company and its various business segments, which included theme parks, filmed entertainment, media networks, and consumer products.

The early 2000s were a period of turmoil for Disney, marked by public disputes between Eisner and prominent board members, including Roy E. Disney, as well as a contested proxy fight. Amid these corporate governance challenges, Iger emerged as the internal candidate to succeed Eisner. He was named Eisner's successor-designate, and the transition was closely watched by Wall Street and the media industry.

CEO of Disney: First Tenure (2005–2020)

On October 1, 2005, Iger officially succeeded Michael Eisner as CEO of The Walt Disney Company.[13][14] His appointment came at a time when the company's relationships with key creative partners—most notably Pixar Animation Studios and its leader, Steve Jobs—had deteriorated under Eisner's leadership. One of Iger's first priorities was to repair these relationships and reposition Disney for growth.

Acquisition of Pixar

In January 2006, Disney announced the acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios for approximately $7.4 billion in an all-stock transaction. The deal brought Pixar, the studio behind commercially and critically successful animated films including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles, fully into the Disney fold. The acquisition also brought Steve Jobs onto the Disney board of directors as the company's largest individual shareholder, and placed Pixar's creative leaders, John Lasseter and Ed Catmull, in charge of Walt Disney Animation Studios.[15] The Pixar acquisition was seen as a turning point that reinvigorated Disney's animation output and established a template for Iger's subsequent acquisition strategy.

Acquisition of Marvel Entertainment

In August 2009, Disney announced its acquisition of Marvel Entertainment for approximately $4 billion. The deal gave Disney control over Marvel's extensive library of comic book characters, including Iron Man, Spider-Man (subject to existing licensing arrangements), Captain America, Thor, and the Avengers.[16] Under Disney's ownership, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) became one of the most commercially successful film franchises in history, generating billions of dollars in box office revenue and becoming a cornerstone of Disney's filmed entertainment strategy.

Acquisition of Lucasfilm

In October 2012, Disney announced its acquisition of Lucasfilm for approximately $4.06 billion. The deal brought the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises under Disney ownership.[17] The acquisition was negotiated directly between Iger and Lucasfilm founder George Lucas. Disney subsequently announced plans for a new trilogy of Star Wars films, the first of which, Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), earned more than $2 billion worldwide at the box office. The Lucasfilm acquisition further expanded Disney's portfolio of globally recognized intellectual properties and provided content for theme park expansions, including the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Acquisition of 21st Century Fox Assets

In December 2017, Disney announced an agreement to acquire the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox for approximately $52.4 billion in stock; the deal was later revised to $71.3 billion in cash and stock following a competing bid from Comcast. The transaction, completed in March 2019, was the largest acquisition in Disney's history and one of the largest media deals ever. It brought 20th Century Fox's film and television studios, the FX cable networks, National Geographic Partners, Fox's international assets including Star India, and a controlling stake in Hulu under Disney's control.[18] The Fox acquisition significantly expanded Disney's content library and international footprint and positioned the company to compete in the emerging streaming marketplace.

International Theme Park Expansion

Under Iger's leadership, Disney expanded its theme park presence in East Asia. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened in 2005, the same year Iger became CEO.[19] More significantly, Iger led the development and opening of Shanghai Disney Resort in mainland China, which opened in June 2016 after years of negotiations with the Chinese government and a construction investment of approximately $5.5 billion.[20] The Shanghai resort represented Disney's largest international investment and was seen as a critical step in expanding the company's reach into the world's most populous country.

Launch of Disney+ and Streaming Strategy

In the latter years of Iger's first tenure as CEO, Disney made a major strategic pivot toward direct-to-consumer streaming services. The company launched Disney+ in November 2019, entering a market dominated by Netflix and other incumbents. Disney+ offered a library of content drawn from Disney's various brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. The service attracted tens of millions of subscribers in its first months of operation. Disney also took operational control of Hulu following the Fox acquisition, making it a key component of the company's streaming portfolio.

Contract Extensions and Succession Challenges

Iger's contract as CEO was extended multiple times during his first tenure. In 2014, Disney extended his contract through June 2018.[21][22] The question of CEO succession became a recurring subject of industry discussion throughout his tenure.[23] Iger was further extended in his role on multiple occasions, with the company citing the importance of continuity and the complexity of ongoing strategic initiatives. He eventually stepped down as CEO on February 25, 2020, at which point Bob Chapek, then head of Disney's parks, experiences, and products division, was named as his successor.

Executive Chairman and Retirement (2020–2021)

After stepping down as CEO in February 2020, Iger remained with Disney as executive chairman, a role in which he was tasked with overseeing creative direction and guiding the company during the transition to new leadership.[24] His tenure as executive chairman coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted Disney's theme park, cruise line, and theatrical film businesses. Iger formally retired from Disney on December 31, 2021.

Return as CEO (2022–2026)

On November 20, 2022, Disney's board of directors dismissed Bob Chapek as CEO and asked Iger to return to lead the company. The board cited the need for experienced leadership during a period of financial and operational challenges, including significant losses in the streaming business and a decline in the company's stock price.[25]

Upon his return, Iger implemented a corporate restructuring, announced significant cost-cutting measures, and refocused the company's strategy around profitability in its streaming operations. In July 2023, Disney renewed Iger's contract through 2026.

In early 2026, Iger indicated to associates that he planned to step down as CEO before his contract expired.[26] On February 3, 2026, Disney announced that Josh D'Amaro, who had been leading the company's parks, experiences, and products division, would succeed Iger as CEO on March 18, 2026.[27] The choice of D'Amaro was scrutinized by some shareholders, including activist investor Nelson Peltz, who accused Iger of influencing the succession process.[28]

During his final weeks as CEO, Iger announced a partnership between Disney and OpenAI to integrate AI-generated video content, created with OpenAI's Sora tool, onto the Disney+ platform. Iger stated that the AI-created content would not affect Disney's other programming commitments.[29]

In February 2026, Iger was reported as a potential replacement for Casey Wasserman as chair of the LA28 Olympic Games organizing committee.[30]

Political Activities

In June 2017, Iger resigned from President Donald Trump's business advisory council following the Trump administration's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change.[31] Iger had been the subject of periodic speculation about a potential run for political office, including the U.S. presidency, though he never formally entered politics as a candidate.

Personal Life

Iger married Susan Iger in 1977; the couple divorced in 1994. They have two daughters together, including Kathleen Iger, who married Jarrod Cushing in September 2005.[32]

In October 1995, Iger married Willow Bay, a journalist and television personality who later became dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.[33] The couple has two sons together and resides in Los Angeles, California.

Iger is the author of The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, a memoir published in 2019 that chronicled his career and outlined his leadership principles.

Recognition

During his career, Iger has received numerous awards and honors for his leadership in the media and entertainment industry. He has been recognized with an Emmy Award for his contributions to the television industry. In recognition of his role in strengthening the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom through the entertainment industry, Iger was made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).

Iger has appeared on numerous lists of influential business leaders. Time magazine included him in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world. He has served on various boards and advisory organizations throughout his career.

His record of acquisitions—Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Fox—transformed the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry and established a model for intellectual-property-driven corporate strategy that was emulated by competitors across the media sector.

Legacy

Iger's tenure as CEO of Disney is defined by a series of large-scale acquisitions that fundamentally reshaped the company and the broader entertainment industry. The purchases of Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, and the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox collectively assembled what became the most extensive portfolio of commercially valuable intellectual properties in the media business. Under Iger's leadership, Disney's market capitalization grew from approximately $56 billion in 2005 to $231 billion by 2020, reflecting the financial impact of these acquisitions and the broader strategic direction he set for the company.[34]

The launch of Disney+ and the company's pivot toward direct-to-consumer streaming represented a significant strategic shift that aligned Disney with the changing patterns of media consumption. The expansion of Disney's theme park footprint into mainland China through Shanghai Disney Resort opened a new market for the company and represented one of the largest foreign direct investments in China's entertainment sector.

Iger's return to the CEO role in 2022, after less than a year of formal retirement, was an unusual event in corporate America and underscored the board's assessment of his importance to the company's direction. His second tenure focused on financial discipline, organizational restructuring, and the resolution of the succession question that had long been a subject of discussion among investors and industry observers.[35]

The question of Iger's long-term legacy is closely linked to the performance of Disney under his successors and the sustainability of the strategic investments made during his tenure. The company he shaped—built on branded intellectual properties, international theme parks, and a streaming platform—remains at the center of the global entertainment industry.

References

  1. ↑ "Robert A. Iger — Executive Chairman".The Walt Disney Company.https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. ↑ "Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney".Los Angeles Times.2016-03-08.http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ "Disney names parks boss Josh D'Amaro as new CEO to replace Bob Iger".CNN.2026-02-03.https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/media/disney-new-ceo-josh-damaro-bob-iger.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ "Disney names parks boss Josh D'Amaro as new CEO to replace Bob Iger".CNN.2026-02-03.https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/media/disney-new-ceo-josh-damaro-bob-iger.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ "Robert Iger 1951– Biography".Reference for Business.http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ "Robert Iger 1951– Biography".Reference for Business.http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ "Robert Iger 1951– Biography".Reference for Business.http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ "Robert Iger 1951– Biography".Reference for Business.http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "ABC Names Its President of Entertainment".The New York Times.1989-03-24.https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/24/arts/abc-names-its-president-of-entertainment.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "ABC Ups Iger, Regroups Divisions".Variety.1993.https://variety.com/1993/scene/news/abc-ups-iger-regroups-divisions-108981/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ "Robert A. Iger — Executive Chairman".The Walt Disney Company.https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ "Iger Tapped No. 2 as Mouse TV Booms".Variety.2000.https://variety.com/2000/biz/news/iger-tapped-no-2-as-mouse-tv-booms-1117765636/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ "Disney's New World".The Washington Post.2005-03-14.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32493-2005Mar13.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ "A Magic Kingdom at War".The Economist.2006-01-19.http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5442077.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. ↑ "Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney".Los Angeles Times.2016-03-08.http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney".Los Angeles Times.2016-03-08.http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ "How Disney Bought Lucasfilm—and Its Plans for Star Wars".Bloomberg Businessweek.2013-03-07.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-03-07/how-disney-bought-lucasfilm-and-its-plans-for-star-wars.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. ↑ "Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney".Los Angeles Times.2016-03-08.http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. ↑ "Robert A. Iger — Executive Chairman".The Walt Disney Company.https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. ↑ "Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney".Los Angeles Times.2016-03-08.http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. ↑ "Disney Extends Bob Iger Contract Through 2018".Variety.2014.https://variety.com/2014/biz/news/disney-extends-bob-iger-contract-through-2018-1201319561/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  22. ↑ "Disney Extends Bob Iger's Contract Until 2018".The Wall Street Journal.2014-10-02.https://www.wsj.com/articles/disney-extends-bob-igers-contract-until-2018-1412273135.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  23. ↑ "Disney's Dilemma: Can Bob Iger Ever Find a Successor?".The Hollywood Reporter.http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disneys-dilemma-can-bob-iger-ever-find-a-successor-989599.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  24. ↑ "Robert A. Iger — Executive Chairman".The Walt Disney Company.https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  25. ↑ "Disney names parks boss Josh D'Amaro as new CEO to replace Bob Iger".CNN.2026-02-03.https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/media/disney-new-ceo-josh-damaro-bob-iger.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  26. ↑ "Exclusive: Iger Has Told Associates He Plans to Leave CEO Role Before Contract Expires".The Wall Street Journal.https://www.wsj.com/business/media/iger-has-told-associates-he-plans-to-leave-ceo-role-before-contract-expires-35406a7b.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  27. ↑ "Disney names parks boss Josh D'Amaro as new CEO to replace Bob Iger".CNN.2026-02-03.https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/media/disney-new-ceo-josh-damaro-bob-iger.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  28. ↑ "Nelson Peltz Accuses Bob Iger of Backing Josh D'Amaro as CEO to Retain Power at Disney".Variety.2026-02.https://variety.com/2026/film/news/nelson-peltz-accuses-bob-iger-josh-damaro-disney-1236651272/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  29. ↑ "Disney's OpenAI Video Pact Will Not Affect Its Other Programming, CEO Bob Iger Says".Deadline Hollywood.2026-02.https://deadline.com/2026/02/disney-openai-sora-video-bob-iger-1236705948/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  30. ↑ "Report: Bob Iger floated as potential replacement for Casey Wasserman as LA28 chair".Sports Business Journal.2026-02-23.https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/02/23/report-bob-iger-floated-as-potential-replacement-for-casey-wasserman-as-la28-chair/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  31. ↑ "Disney CEO Bob Iger Resigns From Trump's Advisory Council Over Paris Accord Decision".Variety.2017-06-01.https://variety.com/2017/film/news/disney-ceo-bob-iger-resigns-from-trumps-advisory-council-over-paris-accord-decision-1202451184/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  32. ↑ "Kathleen Iger and Jarrod Cushing".The New York Times.2005-09-25.https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/25/fashion/weddings/kathleen-iger-and-jarrod-cushing.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  33. ↑ "Willow Bay and Robert Iger".The New York Times.1995-10-08.https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/08/style/willow-bay-and-robert-iger.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  34. ↑ "Star Wars, Shanghai Disney: Bob Iger's Transformation of Disney".Los Angeles Times.2016-03-08.http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  35. ↑ "Bob Iger once fought to keep control at Disney. This time, he's stepping aside early.".Business Insider.2026-02.https://www.businessinsider.com/why-bob-iger-stepped-down-early-josh-damaro-disney-ceo-2026-2.Retrieved 2026-02-23.

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