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{{Short description|American business executive (born 1951)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| image =BobIgerHWOFJune2013.jpg | image = BobIgerHWOFJune2013.jpg
| alt = | caption = Iger in 2013
| caption =Iger in June 2013 | birth_name = Robert Alan Iger
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1951|2|10}}
| birth_name = Robert Allen Iger
| birth_place = New York City, US<!-- Per ], "the use or non-use of periods (full stops) should also be consistent with other country abbreviations in the same article (thus 'the US, UK, and USSR', not 'the U.S., UK, and USSR')." -->
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1951|02|10|mf=yes}}
| spouse = {{plainlist|
| birth_place = ], ], ]
* {{marriage|Kathleen Susan|end=div}}
| residence = ], ], United States
* {{marriage|]|1995}}
| nationality =United States of America
}}
| education =B.S., ], 1973
| children = 4
| occupation = Entertainment Executive
| relatives = ] (great-uncle)<ref name=bob351>Adelman, Bob. ''Will Eisner: A Spirited Life'' (M Press, Milwaukie, Oregon, 2005), {{ISBN|1-59582-011-6}}, {{ISBN|978-1-59582-011-2}}, p. 351</ref>
| years_active = 1974&ndash;present
| employer = ] | education = ] (])
| home_town = | title = ], ]
| salary = US$44.9 million (2015) | party = {{Plainlist|
* ] (before 2016)
| net_worth = <!-- Net worth should be supported with a citation from a reliable source -->
* ] (2016–present)<ref name="Rutenberg" />
| title = ] & ]
}}
| predecessor = ]
| successor =Incumbent | term = {{Plainlist|
* September 2005 – February 2020
| boards = ]
* November 2022 – present
| spouse = Susan (divorced; 2 children)<br>] (1995–present; 2 children)
}}
| children =
| predecessor = {{Plainlist|
| mother = Mimi Iger
* ]
| father = Arthur L. Iger
* ]
| awards =
}}
| signature = Robert A. Bob Iger signature.svg
| signature_size = | boards = {{Plainlist|
* ] (2011–2019)
| signature_alt =
* ] (2020–present)
| footnotes =
* ] (2022–present)
| box_width =
}}
| successor = Bob Chapek
| signature = Robert A. Bob Iger signature.svg
}} }}


'''Robert Alan Iger''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|aɪ|ɡ|ər}}; born February 10, 1951)<ref name="encyclopediaoftelevision" /> is an American ] who is ] (CEO) of ].<ref name="CorpProfile">{{Cite web |title=Robert A. Iger – The Walt Disney Company |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519041910/https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger-2/ |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |access-date=June 21, 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> He previously was the president of the ] (ABC) between 1994 and 1995 and president and ] (COO) of ], from 1995 until its acquisition by Disney in 1996. Iger was named president of Disney in 2000 and succeeded ] as CEO in 2005, until his contract expired in 2020. He then was executive chairman until his formal retirement from the company on December 31, 2021. After his exit from the company, Iger continued as an advisor to his successor.
'''Robert Allen''' "'''Bob'''" '''Iger''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|aɪ|ɡ|ər}} (born February 10, 1951) is an American businessman.<ref name=disneybio>{{cite web|title=Disney Biography of Mr. Robert A. Iger|url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/|accessdate=7 June 2016}}</ref><ref name=bloom7>{{cite news|title=Executive Profile for Robert A. Iger|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=191572&privcapId=191564|accessdate=9 June 2016|publisher=]|date=5 May 2016}}</ref><ref name=rfbbio>{{cite web|url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html|title=Robert Iger 1951— Biography - sources for further information|publisher=}}</ref><ref name=worldbio>{{cite web|url=http://www.notablebiographies.com/newsmakers2/2006-Ei-La/Iger-Bob.html|title=Robert Iger Biography|publisher=Encyclopedia of World Biography}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mr. Robert Iger on ABC News |url=http://abcnews.go.com/topics/business/CEOs/robert-iger.htm |publisher=ABCnews.com|accessdate=16 July 2016}}</ref>


However, at the request of Disney's board of directors, Iger returned to Disney as CEO on November 20, 2022, following the unscheduled and immediate dismissal of his appointed successor, ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zachary |date=November 21, 2022 |title=Robert A. Iger Appointed CEO by Disney Board of Directors |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/robert-a-iger-appointed-chief-executive-officer-by-the-walt-disney-company-board-of-directors/ |access-date=November 21, 2022 |website=The Walt Disney Company |language=en-US}}</ref> Iger's 2023 pay package included a base salary of $865,385, stock awards of $16.1 million, $10 million in stock option awards, $2.1 million in performance-based compensation and $2.48 million in other compensation, leading to a total pay award of $31.6 million, according to Disney's annual proxy statement. In July 2023, Disney renewed Iger's contract until 2026.
On September 30, 2005, Iger became the ] and ] (CEO) of ], the parent of ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB111074318002378006|title=Disney Press Release Naming Iger as New CEO|date=March 13, 2005|work=Wall Street Journal|accessdate=June 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://variety.com/2015/film/news/bob-iger-compensation-1201667368/|title=Disney CEO Bob Iger’s Compensation Falls to $44.9 Million in 2015|author=Variety Staff|work=Variety|date=December 23, 2015|accessdate=June 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB107832734296045356|title=Eisner Steps Down as Disney Chairman|last=Orwall|first=Bruce|date=March 4, 2004|work=Wall Street Journal|accessdate=June 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kim|first1=Susanna|title=Bob Iger to Remain Disney CEO, Chairman Through June 2016|url=http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2013/07/bob-iger-to-remain-disney-ceo-chairman-through-june-2016/|accessdate=6 June 2016|publisher=]|date=1 July 2013}}</ref><ref name=encyclopediaoftelevision/><ref name=twdcabout>{{cite web|title=About The Walt Disney Company|url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/about/|accessdate=7 June 2016}}</ref><ref name=disneyparks>{{cite web|title=About Disney Parks|url=https://aboutdisneyparks.com/about/company-overview|accessdate=7 June 2016}}</ref> He was the ABC Television President from January 11, 1994 to April 4, 1995; the Capital Cities/ABC Inc. President and COO from January 1, 1995 to January 1, 1996; President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), The Walt Disney Company from January 1, 2000; and President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company from October 1, 2005.<ref name=cspandates>{{cite web|title=C-SPAN Biography of Mr. Robert A. Iger|url=http://www.c-span.org/person/?robertiger|accessdate=8 July 2016|publisher=C-SPAN.org}}</ref>


Considered a highly effective and visionary media executive, Iger was able to broaden Disney's roster of ], expanded its presence in international markets, and oversaw an increase of the company's ] from $56 billion to $231 billion during his initial 15-year stewardship of the company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/bob-iger-walt-disney-stock-performance |title=How Bob Iger changed Disney's reputation for market magic |date=February 26, 2020 |website=Fox Business |language=en-US}}</ref> He led the major acquisitions of ] in 2006 for $7.4 billion, ] in 2009 for $4 billion, ] in 2012 for $4.06 billion, and ] of ] in 2019 for $71.3 billion. Iger also expanded the company's ] presence in ], with the introduction of ] and ] in 2005 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, he was also the driving force behind the reinvigoration of ], the branded-release strategy of ]'s output, and the company's increased investment in its ], including ] and ].
During Iger’s tenure, Disney has been recognized as one of the "World's Most Reputable Companies" by ] Magazine (2006-2015), one of "America's Most Admired Companies" by ] (2009-2015), one of the “World's Most Respected Companies" by Barron’s (2009-2014), a “Best Place to Launch a Career” by BusinessWeek Magazine (2006-2010), and a "Company of the Year" by ] (2013).<ref name=disneybio/> Iger oversaw the acquisitions of ] in 2006 for $7.4 billion, ] in 2009 for $4 billion, and ] in 2012 for $4.1 billion.<ref name=disneybio/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Sakoui|first1=Anousha|title=Disney’s Buying Spree Will Reshape Hollywood for Years to Come|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-05/disney-s-buying-spree-will-reshape-hollywood-for-years-to-come|accessdate=3 June 2016|publisher=]|date=5 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Belloni|first1=Matthew|title=In-Depth With Disney CEO Bob Iger|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/bob-iger-interview-star-wars-905320|accessdate=23 June 2016|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|date=22 June 2016}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
Since 2005, Iger has opened the following Disney businesses and resorts: ], Lantau Island, Hong Kong, founded on September 12, 2005, ], Celebration, Florida, founded in 2005, ] - A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, O`ahu, Hawai‘i, founded in August 2011, and the ], Pudong New District, Shanghai, China, founded in June 2016.<ref name=disneyparks/>
Robert Alan Iger was born to a ] family in New York City.<ref name="CorpProfile" /><ref name=encyclopediaoftelevision>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NUXIAgAAQBAJ&q=bob+iger+born+%22new+York%22&pg=PA1168 | title=Encyclopedia of Television |year= 2004| editor-first=Horace | editor-last=Newcomb| publisher=]| edition=2nd| isbn= 978-1579583941| page=1168}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://jewishbusinessnews.com/2015/02/05/bob-iger-talks-live-streaming-for-disneys-channels/ |work=]|title=Bob Iger Talks Live Streaming for Disney's Channels|date=February 5, 2015| archive-date= August 6, 2016| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160806050245/http://jewishbusinessnews.com/2015/02/05/bob-iger-talks-live-streaming-for-disneys-channels/| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Shtetl>{{cite book|url=http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=purduepress_previews|first=Vincent|last=Brook|title=From Shtetl to Stardom: Jews and Hollywood: Chapter 1: Still an Empire of Their Own: How Jews Remain Atop a Reinvented Hollywood|pages=15 |publisher=Purdue University Press|date=December 15, 2016|isbn=9781557537638}}</ref> He is the oldest son of Miriam "Mimi" (née Tunick) (1927–2013) and Arthur L. Iger (1926–2010).<ref name=NewsdayObitdad>{{cite news|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsday/obituary.aspx?pid=143108000 |publisher=(Death notice) ]| location = New York City / Long Island | title=Arthur L. Iger |date=May 25, 2010|access-date=March 3, 2017| archive-date= June 10, 2016| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160610094105/http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsday/obituary.aspx?pid=143108000| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=NewsdayObitmom>{{cite news|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsday/obituary.aspx?n=miriam-a-iger&pid=163643421 |publisher=(Death notice) Newsday | location = New York City / Long Island |title= Miriam A. Iger|date=March 13, 2013| archive-date= September 10, 2016| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160910175402/http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsday/obituary.aspx?n=miriam-a-iger&pid=163643421| url-status=live}}</ref> His father was a ] Navy veteran<ref name="nyt-dowd-2019">{{cite web |last1=Dowd |first1=Maureen |title=The Slow-Burning Success of Disney's Bob Iger |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/22/style/disney-bob-iger-book.html |work=] |access-date=September 22, 2019 |date=September 22, 2019}}</ref> who was the executive vice president and general manager of the Greenvale Marketing Corporation, and was also a professor of advertising and public relations.<ref>], interviewed by ] on ]'s '']'', September 30, 2019, re-aired November 30, 2019.</ref><ref name=NewsdayObitdad/><ref name="nyt-dowd-2019"/> His mother worked at Boardman Junior High School in ].<ref>{{cite news | title = NYT Notices, Willow Bay and Robert Iger | publisher = NYT | year = 2008 | url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F05E2D81239F93BA35753C1A963958260}}</ref><ref name=Avodah> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031100523/http://www.avodah.org/aboutus/ |date=October 31, 2012 }} retrieved October 11, 2012</ref> Arthur's father Joe (i.e. Bob's paternal grandfather) was ] ]'s brother.<ref name=bob351/>


He was raised in Oceanside, where he attended the Fulton Avenue School and graduated from ] in 1969.<ref>{{cite web |title=Here's what 13 successful CEOs looked like in high school {{!}} Financial Post |url=http://business.financialpost.com/business-insider/heres-what-13-successful-ceos-looked-like-in-high-school?__lsa=78df-590d |website=Business Insider |language=en-CA |date=December 14, 2013}}</ref><ref name=newsday2013>{{cite news| url=http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/disney-ceo-robert-iger-helps-his-li-elementary-school-get-playground-1.5620918| title=Disney CEO Robert Iger helps his LI elementary school get playground| work =] | date=July 23, 2013 |first= Beth |last=Whitehouse|access-date= April 16, 2015}}</ref> In 1973, he graduated '']'' from the School of Communications at ] with a ] degree in Television and Radio.<ref>{{cite web | title = Ithaca College Alumnus Bob Iger Named Marketwatch CEO of the Year | publisher = Ithaca College| year = 2006 | url = http://www.ithaca.edu/rhp/depts/tvr/news/334/}}</ref>
In April 2012, the ] inducted Iger as a member. The Academy recognizes some of the world’s most accomplished scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders.<ref name=disneybio/><ref>{{cite web|title=Diversity Leadership: Mr. Robert A. Iger, The Walt Disney Company|url=http://www.diversityinc.com/robert-iger/|accessdate=7 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Johns Hopkins University Press Release|url=http://releases.jhu.edu/2012/04/19/american-academy-of-arts-and-sciences/|date=April 19, 2012|accessdate=7 June 2016}}</ref>


==Career==
In May 2015, Iger was named to 25th Annual ] Hall of Fame. He was honored for his stewardship of The Walt Disney Company and his strategic vision focused on generating the best creative content possible, fostering innovation and utilizing the latest technology, and expanding into new markets around the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=Broadcasting & Cable Press Release|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/bc-events/bob-iger-named-25th-annual-bc-hall-fame-class/140529|date=May 4, 2015|accessdate=20 June 2016}}</ref><ref name=disneybcc>{{cite web|title=Disney Press Release|url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-chairman-and-ceo-robert-a-iger-enters-broadcasting-cable-hall-of-fame/|date=May 4, 2015|accessdate=20 June 2016}}</ref>
Iger began his media career in 1972 as the host of ''Campus Probe'', an Ithaca College television show. He dreamed of becoming a ] while he worked as a ] in Ithaca for five months, before shifting his career goals.<ref name="disneybc">{{cite web|url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-chairman-and-ceo-robert-a-iger-enters-broadcasting-cable-hall-of-fame/|title=Disney Press Release|date=May 4, 2015|access-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref><ref name=nytimes2010>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/business/11iger.html| title= Is Disney's Chief Having a Cinderella Moment?| work=] | first=Brooks| last=Barnes| date=April 10, 2010|access-date= April 16, 2015}}</ref>


===American Broadcasting Company (ABC)===
In October 2015, the ] (TIA) inducted Iger into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. He was selected by members of TIA in recognition of his significant contributions to the industry, and the impact his work has had on the lives of children worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|title=Toy Industry Association (TIA) Press Release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toy-industry-names-disneys-bob-iger-as-2016-inductee-into-esteemed-hall-of-fame-300159528.html|date=October 14, 2015|accessdate=8 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bob Iger Inducted Into Toy Industry Hall of Fame|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK2dcub5UxI|publisher=YouTube.com|date=February 16, 2016|accessdate=21 June 2016}}</ref>
<!-- Deleted image removed: ].]] -->
In 1974, Iger joined the ] (ABC).<ref name="rfbbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/F-L/Iger-Robert-1951.html|title=Robert Iger biography|work=referenceforbusiness.com|access-date=July 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5442077 | newspaper=] | title=Looking Beyond the Mouse | date=January 26, 2006}}</ref> His first job was performing menial labor on television sets for $150 a week (over $700, adjusted for inflation).<ref name="nyt-dowd-2019"/>


In 1988, Iger was the senior program executive for the ]. The event was marred by disruptive weather and delayed events, and to fill the broadcast schedule Iger's team focused on human interest stories such as those of the ] and ]. The event achieved record-high ratings for ABC, and Iger's performance under pressure caught the attention of ABC executives ] and ], who subsequently championed Iger throughout his ascent at ABC.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Iger|first=Robert|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1138608550|title=The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons in Creative Leadership from the CEO of the Walt Disney Company|date=2019|publisher=Transworld Publishers Ltd|isbn=978-1-78763-047-5|location=London|pages=29–32|oclc=1138608550}}</ref>
Iger has been named one of Fortune Magazine's "25 Most Powerful People in Business" (2006, 2007), a "Top Gun CEO" by Forbes Magazine (2009), a "Best CEO" by ] (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), "CEO of the Year" by ] (2006), and "CEO of the Year" by ] (2014).<ref name=disneybio/>


In 1989, he was named head of ], green lighting shows such as '']'', '']''<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5415019/bob-iger-disney/|title=Bob Iger|magazine= Time|accessdate=April 4, 2022}}</ref> and '']''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Iger|first=Robert|title=The Ride of a Lifetime|publisher=Random House|year=2019|isbn=9780399592096|location=New York|pages=40–43}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/24/arts/abc-names-its-president-of-entertainment.html|title=ABC Names Its President of Entertainment|last=Carter|first=Bill|date=March 24, 1989|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> He was president of the ABC Network Television Group from January 1993 to 1994, and was appointed as ] senior vice president in March 1993 and executive vice president in July 1993.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lowry|first1=Brian|title=ABC ups Iger, regroups divisions|url=https://variety.com/1993/scene/news/abc-ups-iger-regroups-divisions-108981/|access-date=May 19, 2015|work=Variety|date=July 27, 1993}}</ref> In 1994, Iger was named president and chief operating officer of ABC's corporate parent, Capital Cities/ABC.<ref name="cspandates">{{cite web|url=http://www.c-span.org/person/?robertiger|title=C-SPAN Biography of Mr. Robert A. Iger|publisher=C-SPAN.org|access-date=July 8, 2016}}</ref>
==Early life==
Iger was born to a ] family in ].<ref name=encyclopediaoftelevision>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NUXIAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA1168&lpg=PA1168&dq=bob+iger+born+%22new+York%22&source=bl&ots=1EH-cDbxHK&sig=7cBM5U53DfkeBunb7jCdAB9qP0A&hl=en&sa=X&ei=zigwVZeJO4T6yASXoIHwCA&ved=0CEMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=bob%20iger%20born%20%22new%20York%22&f=false | title=Encyclopedia of Television |year= 2004| first=Horace, ed. | last=Newcomb| publisher=] (Second edition) | isbn= 978-1579583941| page=1168}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Arab voice of Donald Duck tweets for Israel to be ‘demolished’|url=http://www.jta.org/2013/08/06/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/arab-voice-of-donald-duck-tweets-for-israel-to-be-demolished|work=]|accessdate=19 October 2013}}</ref><ref> February 5, 2015</ref><ref> November 30, 2012</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Masters|first=Kim|title=Does Disney's 9/11 Video Hint at Bob Iger's Political Aspirations?|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/does-disneys-911-video-hint-234129|work=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=October 6, 2011|date=September 12, 2011}}</ref> Iger was raised in the ] town of ], where he attended the Fulton Avenue School and graduated from ] in 1969.<ref> December 14, 2013</ref><ref name=newsday2013>{{cite news| url=http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/disney-ceo-robert-iger-helps-his-li-elementary-school-get-playground-1.5620918| title=Disney CEO Robert Iger helps his LI elementary school get playground| work =] | date=July 23, 2013 |first= Beth |last=Whitehouse|accessdate= April 16, 2015}}</ref> In 1973, he graduated ] from the ] at ] with a ] degree in Television and Radio.<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | author = | title = Ithaca College Alumnus Bob Iger Named Marketwatch CEO of the Year | publisher = Ithaca College| year = 2006 | url = http://www.ithaca.edu/rhp/depts/tvr/news/334/| accessdate = 2009 }}</ref>


===The Walt Disney Company===
Iger is the son of Mimi and Arthur L. Iger.<ref name=NewsdayObitdad> May 25, 2010</ref><ref name=NewsdayObitmom> March 13, 2013</ref> His father was a ] veteran who served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Greenvale Marketing Corporation, and was also a Professor of Advertising and Public Relations.<ref name=NewsdayObitdad/> His mother worked at Boardman Junior High School in Oceanside.<ref>{{cite news | last = | first = | authorlink = | authors = | title = NYT Notices, Willow Bay and Robert Iger | publisher = NYT | year = 2008 | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F05E2D81239F93BA35753C1A963958260| accessdate = 2008 }}</ref><ref name= Avodah> retrieved October 11, 2012</ref>
In 1995,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gara|first=Antoine|title=Disney's 1995 Deal For ABC Made Buffett Billions By Marrying Mickey Mouse With SportsCenter|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoinegara/2017/05/23/disneys-1995-deal-for-abc-made-buffett-billions-by-marrying-mickey-mouse-with-espn/|access-date=November 9, 2020|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref> The Walt Disney Company purchased Capital Cities/ABC and renamed it ], where Iger remained chairman until 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/25/disney-ceo-bob-iger-steps-down-a-look-at-his-legacy.html|title=A look at Bob Iger's legacy at Disney as he steps down as CEO|work=CNBC |date=February 25, 2020 |accessdate=April 4, 2022}}</ref><ref name=encyclopediaoftelevision />


On February 25, 1999, Disney named Iger the president of Walt Disney International, the business unit that oversees Disney's international operations, as well as chairman of the ABC Group, removing him from day-to-day authority at ABC. Disney called the change a promotion for Iger.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/25/business/disney-names-new-president-in-reshuffling.html | work=The New York Times | title=Disney Names New President In Reshuffling | first=Bernard | last=Weinraub | date=January 25, 2000 | access-date=May 22, 2010}}</ref>
==Career==
Iger began his media career in 1972 as the host of “Campus Probe,” an Ithaca College television show. He dreamed of becoming a news anchor; however, he worked as a weatherman in Ithaca for 5 months instead, before shifting his career goals.<ref name="disneybc">{{cite web|url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-chairman-and-ceo-robert-a-iger-enters-broadcasting-cable-hall-of-fame/|title=Disney Press Release|date=May 4, 2015|accessdate=20 June 2016}}</ref><ref name=nytimes2010>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/business/11iger.html| title= Is Disney’s Chief Having a Cinderella Moment?| work=] | first=Brooks| last=Barnes| date=April 10, 2010|accessdate= April 16, 2015}}</ref>


Disney named Iger the president and chief operating officer (COO) on January 24, 2000, making him Disney's No. 2 executive under chairman and CEO, ]. Disney had been without a separate president since Eisner assumed the role following the departure of ] in 1997, after sixteen months at Disney.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Goldsmith|first1=Jill|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/|access-date=June 7, 2014|work=Variety|date=January 24, 2000}}</ref>
===American Broadcasting Company (ABC)===
In 1974, Iger joined the ] (ABC).<ref name=rfbbio/><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5442077 | work=The Economist | title=Looking Beyond the Mouse | date=January 26, 2006}}</ref>


In 2003, board members ] and ] began a campaign called ] against Eisner.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2003-12-01-disney-words_x.htm|title=War of words erupts at Walt Disney|last=McCarthy|first=Michael|date=December 2, 2003|work=USA Today|access-date=December 17, 2009|archive-date=September 6, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906104954/http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2003-12-01-disney-words_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/stories/2004/03/22/daily57.html|title=Disney launches more anti-Eisner sentiment|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=November 29, 2018}}</ref> As a result, Disney began a search for the next CEO to replace Eisner. On March 13, 2005, Disney announced that Iger would succeed Michael Eisner as CEO, and Iger was placed in charge of day-to-day operations, though Eisner held the title of CEO until he resigned on September 30, 2005.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32493-2005Mar13.html|title=Disney Chooses Successor to Chief Executive Eisner|newspaper=Washington Post|first=Frank |last=Ahrens|access-date=August 16, 2017}}</ref> In July 2005, Disney and Gold dropped the campaign and agreed to work with Iger.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/08/AR2005070801789.html|title=Roy Disney, Company Resolve Their Disputes|last=Gentile|first=Gary|newspaper=]|date=July 9, 2005|access-date=November 29, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
In 1989, Iger was named to head up ]. He served as President of the ABC Network Television Group from January 1993 to 1994, while being appointed as ] Senior Vice President in March 1993 and Executive Vice President in July 1993.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lowry|first1=Brian|title=ABC ups Iger, regroups divisions|url=http://variety.com/1993/scene/news/abc-ups-iger-regroups-divisions-108981/|accessdate=May 19, 2015|work=Variety|date=July 27, 1993}}</ref>


One of Iger's first major decisions as CEO was to reassign Disney's chief strategic officer, ], and disband the company's ] division.<ref>{{cite news|url-access=subscription |last1=Burt |first1=Tim |title=Disney demotes chief strategic officer |url=https://www.ft.com/content/e9791412-9ee3-11d9-82f0-00000e2511c8 |work=Financial Times |date=March 27, 2005}}</ref> It was around this time Iger started to become known as "Bob" rather than "Robert".
In 1994, Iger was named President and Chief Operating Officer of ABC's corporate parent, Capital Cities/ABC.<ref name="cspandates"/>


On January 24, 2006, under Iger's leadership, Disney announced it would acquire ] for $7.4 billion in an all-stock transaction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/companies/disney_pixar_deal/|title=Disney buys Pixar|date= January 25, 2006|first=Paul R. |last=La Monica|website=money.cnn.com|access-date=August 16, 2017}}</ref> In the same year, Iger also re-acquired the rights to ]'s first star, ], from ] by releasing sportscaster ] from ] to ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12750497/how-espn-traded-al-michaels-oswald-rabbit|title=How ESPN swapped Al Michaels for a cartoon rabbit|work=ESPN.com|access-date=November 30, 2018|language=en}}</ref>
===The Walt Disney Company===
In 1996, The Walt Disney Company purchased Capital Cities/ABC and renamed it ], where Iger remained President until 1999.<ref name=encyclopediaoftelevision />


In August 2009, Iger negotiated for Disney to acquire ] and its associated assets for $4 billion. By 2014, Disney had grossed more than that amount at the box office through the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/disneys-bob-iger-on-success-of-marvel-guardians-of-the-galaxy-2014-8?r=US&IR=T|title=Bob Iger: The Marvel Brand Is On Fire|last1=Weisman|first1=Aly|date=August 6, 2014|access-date=May 21, 2016|work=]}}</ref> On October 7, 2011, Disney announced that Iger would become chairman of the board, following ]'s retirement from the board in March 2012.<ref name=Succession>{{cite press release|title=The Walt Disney Company Extends Contract to 2016 for Robert A. Iger|url=http://corporate.disney.go.com/news/corporate/2011/2011_1006_iger_sucession_plan.html|publisher=]|access-date=October 8, 2011}}</ref>
On February 25, 1999, Disney named Iger the President of Walt Disney International, the business unit that oversees Disney's international operations, as well as Chairman of the ABC Group. Disney called the change a promotion for Iger; however, the company's insistence was initially viewed with skepticism, as some thought Iger was being removed from day-to-day authority at ABC, since ABC had been struggling.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9904EFDB163CF936A15752C0A9669C8B63 | work=The New York Times | title=Disney Names New President In Reshuffling | first=Bernard | last=Weinraub | date=January 25, 2000 | accessdate=May 22, 2010}}</ref>


In October 2012, Iger signed a deal with filmmaker ] to purchase ] for $4 billion. As a result, Disney acquired the rights to the '']'' ] and '']''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Leonard|first1=Devin|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|access-date=May 21, 2016|publisher=]|date=March 8, 2013|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In March 2016, Iger announced the opening of the $5.5 billion ] later that year.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Miller|first1=David|title=Disney's Bob Iger discusses Shanghai resort, 'Star Wars' and ESPN at media conference|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html|access-date=May 21, 2016|newspaper=]|date=March 8, 2016}}</ref>
Iger was named President of Disney in 2000, and later succeeded ] as the CEO in 2005, after ] by ] to shake up the management of the company.


Iger's contract as Disney's chairman and CEO was originally planned to run until June 30, 2018.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Graser|first1=Marc|url=https://variety.com/2014/biz/news/disney-extends-bob-iger-contract-through-2018-1201319561/|title=Bob Iger to Remain Disney Chief through 2018|access-date=October 8, 2014|work=Variety|date=October 2, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Fritz|first1=Ben|title=Disney Extends CEO Bob Iger's Contract Until 2018|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/disney-extends-bob-igers-contract-until-2018-1412273135|access-date=October 8, 2014|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 2, 2014|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In March 2017, Disney extended Iger's term to July 2, 2019, and said he would be a consultant for the following three years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-disney-ceo-idUSKBN16U23I|title=Disney extends CEO Iger's contract by a year to July 2019|date=March 23, 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=March 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Kilday|first1=Gregg|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|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 29, 2017|language=en}}</ref> In December 2017, Disney extended Iger's contract through 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-disney-iger-extends-contract-20171214-story.html|title=Disney extends CEO Bob Iger's contract through 2021 |first1=Meg |last1=James |first2=Ryan |last2=Faughnder |website=]|date=December 14, 2017|access-date=March 29, 2019}}</ref>
Disney named Iger the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) on January 24, 2000, making him Disney's #2 executive under Chairman and CEO, ]. Disney had been without a separate president since Eisner assumed the role following the departure of ] in 1997, after sixteen months at Disney.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Goldsmith|first1=Jill|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/|accessdate=June 7, 2014|work=Variety|date=January 24, 2000}}</ref>


In July 2018 Disney and ] shareholders approved a deal to allow ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/27/twenty-first-century-fox-and-walt-disney-company-shareholders-approve-.html|title=Disney receives shareholder approval to buy Fox assets|last=Castillo|first=Michelle|date=July 27, 2018|work=CNBC|access-date=November 30, 2018}}</ref> The deal was finalized in March 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ew.com/movies/2019/03/19/disney-fox-merger-complete/|title=The end of an era: Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox is finally complete|website=EW.com|language=en|access-date=March 29, 2019|first=Nick |last=Romano }}</ref>
On March 13, 2005, Disney announced that Bob Iger would succeed Michael Eisner as CEO. On March 26, Iger reassigned Peter Murphy, Disney's Chief Strategic Officer, and pledged to disband the company's ] division. Iger also vowed to restore much of the decision-making authority that the division had assumed to the company's individual business units.


In April 2019, it was announced that Iger would depart from his position as CEO and chairman of Disney when his contract expired in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tyko |first1=Kelly |last2=Keveney |first2=Bill |title=Disney CEO Robert Iger announces 2021 retirement |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/04/11/walt-disney-ceo-bob-iger-step-down-2021/3442748002/ |work=USA TODAY |date=April 11, 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="ibtimes">{{cite news|url=https://www.ibtimes.com/disney-ceo-bob-iger-will-step-down-2021-succession-process-underway-2785058|title=Disney CEO Bob Iger Will Step Down By 2021, Succession Process Underway|last1=Villasanta|first1=Arthur|date=April 11, 2019|work=International Business Times}}</ref> Iger resigned from Apple's board of directors on September 10, 2019, in order to avoid a ] as Disney and Apple prepared to launch competing streaming services ] and ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/13/bob-iger-resigns-from-apple-board.html|title=Disney CEO Bob Iger resigns from Apple board as companies come into conflict on streaming|work=CNBC|access-date=September 13, 2019|language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-barnes">{{cite news |last1=Barnes |first1=Brooks |title=Iger Departs Board of Apple, Disney's New Streaming Competitor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/13/business/iger-apple-board.html |newspaper=] |access-date=September 15, 2019 |date=September 13, 2019}}</ref>
Disney reconciled with former board members ] and ], who in July 2005 dropped their "Save Disney" campaign and agreed to work with Iger. In the process, Roy E. Disney was named a Director Emeritus and Consultant.


In September 2019, Iger released his memoir '']''.<ref name="prh-ride-lifetime">{{cite web |title=The Ride of a Lifetime |url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/556683/the-ride-of-a-lifetime-by-robert-iger/9780399592096/ |publisher=Penguin Random House |access-date=September 22, 2019}}</ref><ref name="nyt-dowd-2019"/>
On January 24, 2006, Disney announced it would acquire ] for $7.4 billion in an all-stock transaction. The merger installed animator ] as Chief Creative Officer of the Disney/Pixar animation studios and Principal Creative Advisor for ], the division that designs theme park attractions. This acquisition made ] Disney's top shareholder, with seven percent of outstanding shares, and gave him a new seat on Disney's Board of Directors. In the same year, Iger also re-acquired the rights to ]'s first star, ], from ] by releasing sportscaster ] from ] to ].


In 2020, Iger announced his intention to retire. On February 25 that year, the board of directors named ] – then-chairman of ] – the new chief executive, while appointing Iger ] (an ad hoc post) to oversee the transition.<ref name=StepDown>{{Cite web|url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/bob-chapek-named-chief-executive-officer-of-the-walt-disney-company/|title=Bob Chapek Named Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company|date=February 25, 2020|website=The Walt Disney Company|last1=Mucha|first1=Zeina|last2=Singer|first2=Lowell}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2020/02/disney-bob-chapek-ceo-replacing-bob-iger-1202868176/|title=Disney Names Bob Chapek CEO As Bob Iger's Successor; Iger Becomes Executive Chairman Through 2021 |first1=Jill|last1=Goldsmith|first2=Patrick|last2=Hipes|publisher=Deadline.com|date=February 25, 2020|access-date=February 25, 2020}}</ref> In April however, the board unexpectedly extended Iger's mandate until the end of 2021, due to the ].<ref name="IgerCoronavirus">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/12/business/media/disney-ceo-coronavirus.html |title=Bob Iger Thought He Was Leaving on Top. Now, He's Fighting for Disney's Life. |last=Smith |first=Ben |date=April 13, 2020 |work=] |access-date=April 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bob Chapek Named Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company – The Walt Disney Company |author= |work=The Walt Disney Company |date= February 25, 2020|access-date=January 18, 2022 |url= https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/bob-chapek-named-chief-executive-officer-of-the-walt-disney-company/}}</ref> On December 31, 2021, Iger stepped down and was succeeded by ] as chair of the board.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Names Susan Arnold to Succeed Bob Iger as Chair of Board |last=Chan |first=J. Clara |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date= December 2021|access-date=January 18, 2022 |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-susan-arnold-bob-iger-chairman-board-1235055856/}}</ref> However, on November 20, 2022, Chapek was ousted by the Disney board with Iger reinstated as CEO.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=November 21, 2022 |title=Disney Shocker! Bob Iger Back As CEO, Bob Chapek Out |url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/disney-bob-iger-returns-ceo-bob-chapek-out-1235178223/ |access-date=November 21, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> At the time of his rejoining Disney, Iger initially agreed to hold the post for two years while looking for a successor.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-63698756 | title=Disney: Bob Iger returns to head the entertainment giant | date=November 21, 2022 | publisher=BBC News |access-date=November 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=April 13, 2023 |title=Bob Iger on Ron DeSantis, Gambling, and Making Job Cuts at Disney |url=https://time.com/6269006/bob-iger-interview-time100/ |access-date=July 1, 2023 |magazine=Time |language=en}}</ref> However, on July 12, 2023, Iger and Disney extended the contract until the end of 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Delouya |first=Samantha |date=July 12, 2023 |title=Disney extends CEO Bob Iger's contract through 2026 {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/business/disney-bob-iger-contract/index.html |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jefferson |first1=David |last2=Long |first2=Mike |last3=Quadrani |first3=Alexia |date=July 12, 2023 |title=The Walt Disney Company Board Of Directors Extends Robert A. Iger's Contract As CEO Through 2026 |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/the-walt-disney-company-board-of-directors-extends-robert-a-igers-contract-as-ceo-through-2026/ |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=The Walt Disney Company |language=en-US}}</ref>
In August 2009, Iger spearheaded negotiations that led Disney to acquire ] and its associated assets for $4 billion. As of August 2014, Disney has recouped over $4 billion at the box office through the ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Weisman|first1=Aly|title=Bob Iger: The Marvel Brand Is On Fire|url=http://www.businessinsider.com.au/disneys-bob-iger-on-success-of-marvel-guardians-of-the-galaxy-2014-8?r=US&IR=T|accessdate=21 May 2016|publisher=]|date=6 August 2014}}</ref>


=== Company boards and other activities ===
] Premiere, ], June 2010]]
On November 15, 2011, ], led by CEO ], named Iger to its board of directors. Iger was reportedly responsible for making ] Disney's largest shareholder after its all-stock acquisition of Jobs' Pixar.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-bob-iger-apple-board-261834|title=Disney Chief Bob Iger Joins Apple Board|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=November 30, 2018|language=en}}</ref> In September 2019, Iger resigned from his position on the board after Apple announced the pricing and release date of ], a subscription streaming service which would compete with Disney+ upon its launch in November 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Leswing |first=Kif |title=Disney CEO Bob Iger resigns from Apple board as companies come into conflict on streaming |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/13/bob-iger-resigns-from-apple-board.html |access-date=7 November 2023 |publisher=CNBC |date=13 September 2019}}</ref>


In October 2020, he became a director of the dairy-replacement startup ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 21, 2020 |title=Disney's Bob Iger invests in animal-free dairy startup Perfect Day |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-perfect-day-bog-iger-idUSKBN2762GB |access-date=March 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bob Iger goes from managing Mickey to directing a milk replacement startup as new Perfect Day boardmember |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/21/bob-iger-goes-from-managing-mickey-to-directing-a-milk-replacement-startup-as-new-perfect-day-boardmember/ |access-date=March 14, 2022 |website=TechCrunch |date=October 21, 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Roy E. Disney issued this statement regarding Iger:


Iger joined the board of ] in March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=March 14, 2022 |title=Bob Iger Getting Into the Metaverse Business |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/bob-iger-avatar-metaverse-investment-1235110823/ |access-date=March 14, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
<blockquote>Animation has always been the heart and soul of The Walt Disney Company, and it is wonderful to see Bob Iger and the company embraces that heritage by bringing the outstanding animation talent of the Pixar team back into the fold. This clearly solidifies The Walt Disney Company's position as the dominant leader in motion picture animation and we applaud and support Bob Iger's vision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.countingdown.com/movies/30929/news?item_id=3822596|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224194554/http://www.countingdown.com/movies/30929/news?item_id=3822596|title=Disney Forum (TBA) : News|archivedate=24 December 2010|publisher=}}</ref></blockquote>


In July 2024, Iger and his wife, ], agreed to take a majority stake in ], a Los Angeles-based ] team, with a $100&nbsp;million investment. To avoid any conflicts of interest, Iger agreed to recuse himself from all Disney and ESPN business matters related to the women's soccer league.<ref>{{Cite news |last=James |first=Meg |date=July 17, 2024 |title=Willow Bay explains why she and Bob Iger bought Angel City FC: 'Culture-defining moment' |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-07-17/willow-bay-bob-iger-buy-controlling-stake-angel-city-football-club |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>
Iger has cited international expansion, technological innovation, and a renewed focus on traditional animation as Disney's top strategic priorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portfolio.com/resources/executive-profiles/39787|title=Startups, Entrepreneurs and Innovation - Upstart Business Journal|date=8 February 2016|work=Upstart Business Journal}}</ref> On October 7, 2011, Disney announced that Iger would become Chairman of the Board, following ]'s retirement from the board in March 2012.<ref name=Succession>{{cite press release|title=The Walt Disney Company Extends Contract to 2016 for Robert A. Iger|url=http://corporate.disney.go.com/news/corporate/2011/2011_1006_iger_sucession_plan.html|publisher=]|accessdate=2011-10-08}}</ref>


==Personal life==
On Tuesday November 15, 2011, ], now led by CEO ] after Steve Jobs's death, named Iger as a Director, and named Genentech Chairman ], an Apple board member with a past membership on rival ]'s board, as Jobs's replacement in the role of non-executive Chairman; both will serve on Apple's ] Committee (Jobs had worked with Iger in the Pixar acquisition, making Jobs Disney's largest shareholder, and Iger licensed ABC shows to Apple for purchase through iTunes).<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/15/bob-iger-named-director-apple_n_1095825.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk1%7C112855 | work=Huffington Post | title=Bob Iger Named Director Of Apple, Arthur Levinson Named Chairman Of The Board | date=November 15, 2011}}</ref>
Iger has been married twice. His first marriage to Kathleen Susan Iger ended in divorce.<ref name=NYTIgerCushingWedding>{{cite news |url-access=limited|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 |date=September 25, 2005}}</ref> They have two daughters. In 1995, Iger married journalist ] in an interfaith ] and ] service in ].<ref name="TNYTBayIger">{{cite news|title=Willow Bay And Robert Iger|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/08/style/willow-bay-and-robert-iger.html|access-date=February 13, 2014|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 8, 1995}}</ref>


According to ''Forbes'', Iger's estimated net worth is over $700 million in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oberoi |first=Mohit |date=June 12, 2024 |title=Bob Iger Net Worth 2024: Building the Magic and a $700 Million Fortune |url=https://www.business2community.com/business-pages/bob-iger-net-worth-building-the-magic-and-millions-fortune |website=Business 2 Community}}</ref>
In October 2012, Iger signed a deal with film producer ] to purchase ] for $4 billion following several months of negotiations between the two men. As a result, Disney acquired the rights to the ] multimedia franchise and ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Leonard|first1=Devin|title=How Disney Bought Lucasfilm&mdash;and Its Plans for Star Wars|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-03-07/how-disney-bought-lucasfilm-and-its-plans-for-star-wars|accessdate=21 May 2016|publisher=]|date=8 March 2013}}</ref> Disney has since embarked on plans to produce a series of Star Wars films and an Indiana Jones one. Following its release on December 18, 2015, '']'' grossed over $2 billion at the box office. In addition, Iger has announced that the $5.5 billion ] will open its doors on June 16, 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Miller|first1=David|title=Disney's Bob Iger discusses Shanghai resort, 'Star Wars' and ESPN at media conference|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-star-wars-shanghai-disney-20160308-story.html|accessdate=21 May 2016|publisher=]|date=8 March 2016}}</ref>


===Politics===
Iger's position as Disney's Chairman and CEO will remain until June 30, 2018.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Graser|first1=Marc|url=http://variety.com/2014/biz/news/disney-extends-bob-iger-contract-through-2018-1201319561/|title=Bob Iger to Remain Disney Chief through 2018|accessdate=October 8, 2014|work=Variety|date=October 2, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Fritz|first1=Ben|title=Disney Extends CEO Bob Iger’s Contract Until 2018|url=http://online.wsj.com/articles/disney-extends-bob-igers-contract-until-2018-1412273135|accessdate=October 8, 2014|work=]|date=October 2, 2014}}</ref>
Iger has described himself as a political ]. He previously identified with the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/27/opinion/sway-kara-swisher-bob-iger.html?showTranscript=1|title=Disney's Former C.E.O. Gave Me the Exit Interview I Asked For|date=January 27, 2022|website=The New York Times}}</ref> In 2016, Iger switched his party registration from Democratic to ].<ref name="Rutenberg">{{cite web |last=Rutenberg |first=Jim |title=For Disney's Iger, an Unlikely Political Turn|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/08/business/media/for-disney-chief-robert-iger-an-unlikely-political-turn.html |accessdate=October 9, 2017 |work=]|date=October 8, 2017}}</ref>


In May 2016, during a dispute over ], Iger wrote in a ] post claiming that Disney had hired 11,000 new employees in the past decade at Disneyland, and 18,000 in the past 5 years in the US. Iger specifically targeted Vermont Senator, ], who had been outspoken on the issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/05/25/media/bob-iger-bernie-sanders/index.html|title=Bob Iger fires back at Bernie Sanders: 'How many jobs have you created?'|last1=Byers|first1=Dylan|date=May 25, 2016|website=CNN|access-date=June 7, 2018}}</ref> Disney settled with the Department of Labor and agreed to pay back wages the following year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney reaches agreement on pay practices with US Department of Labor {{!}} U.S. Department of Labor |url=https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20170317 |access-date=February 14, 2022 |website=www.dol.gov}}</ref>
===National Football League (NFL)===
In November 2015, the ] and ] named Iger to head their effort to build a ] hosting both teams in ]. Had the bid been accepted by the ], Iger would have had the option to purchase a minority ownership in one of the teams. NFL rules preventing him from having an ownership stake in both; however, with the NFL approving the ] move to ], along the ], Iger is no longer the head of the Carson project; therefore, he can no longer purchase a stake in either team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151111/disney-ceo-bob-iger-to-lead-chargers-raiders-effort-to-bring-nfl-to-carson|title=Disney CEO Bob Iger to lead Chargers-Raiders effort to bring NFL to Carson|publisher=Los Angeles Daily News|author=Bonsignore, Vincent|accessdate=November 13, 2015}}</ref>


Iger co-chaired a fundraiser for ] on August 22, 2016.<ref name="bhcourierhillaryclintonfundraisersmagicjohnson">{{cite news|title=Hillary Clinton Fundraisers Coming to Beverly Hills|url=http://bhcourier.com/beverly-hills-news-hillary-clinton-fundraisers-coming-to-beverly-hills/|access-date=August 5, 2016|work=]|date=August 3, 2016|archive-date=February 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225041349/https://beverlyhillscourier.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was named to ] ] ] on December 2, 2016.<ref name="igertrump">{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-bob-iger-donald-trump-20161202-story.html|title=Disney's Bob Iger named to Donald Trump's new President's Strategic and Policy Forum|date=December 2, 2016|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> He resigned from the Forum on June 1, 2017, out of protest after President Trump withdrew the United States from the ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stedman|first1=Alex|last2=Johnson|first2=Ted|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/|access-date=June 2, 2017|work=Variety|date=June 1, 2017}}</ref>
==Personal life==

Iger has been married twice. His first marriage to Kathleen Susan Iger ended in divorce.<ref name=NYTIgerCushingWedding> September 25, 2005</ref> They had two children: Kathleen Pamela Iger and Amanda Iger. In 2005, Kathleen Pamela married Jarrod Alan Cushing in a civil ceremony at the ] in Rhode Island.<ref name=NYTIgerCushingWedding />
Iger had considered running for president before and after the ] as a Democrat, but ultimately decided against it.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/27/opinion/sway-kara-swisher-bob-iger.html?showTranscript=1%7Ctitle=Disney%27s| title= Disney's Former C.E.O. Gave Me the Exit Interview I Asked for| work=] | first=Kara| last=Swisher| date=January 27, 2022|access-date= February 19, 2022}}</ref>
In 1995, Iger married ] in an interfaith ] and ] service in ].<ref name=TNYTBayIger>{{cite news|title=Willow Bay And Robert Iger|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/08/style/willow-bay-and-robert-iger.html|accessdate=February 13, 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 8, 1995}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Disney CEO Bob Iger's Wife Wore a Yoda Dress to Oscars 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pAsvaK6L9E |publisher=YouTube.com |date=23 February 2015 |accessdate=20 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Estee Lauder Commercial with Willow Bay from 1980s |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVshXWBaIn0 |publisher=YouTube.com |accessdate=6 July 2016}}</ref> They have two children: Robert Maxwell "Max" Iger, and William Iger.


==Accolades and recognition== ==Accolades and recognition==
In December 2019, Iger was named by '']'' as their Businessperson of the Year.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/businessperson-of-the-year-2019-bob-iger/|title=Bob Iger Is ''Time''{{'s}} 2019 Businessperson of the Year|magazine=]|first=Belinda|last=Buscombe|date=December 11, 2019|access-date=December 11, 2019}}</ref> In 2020, he was inducted into the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/12/tv-academy-hall-of-fame-2020-bob-iger-geraldine-laybourne-seth-macfarlane-jay-sandrich-cicely-tyson-1202799363/|title=TV Academy Hall Of Fame Adding Bob Iger, Geraldine Laybourne, Seth MacFarlane, Jay Sandrich & Cicely Tyson|first=Patrick|last=Hipes|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 3, 2019|access-date=December 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122045320/https://deadline.com/2019/12/tv-academy-hall-of-fame-2020-bob-iger-geraldine-laybourne-seth-macfarlane-jay-sandrich-cicely-tyson-1202799363/|archive-date=January 22, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
In June 2012, ], founder of the ], presented Iger with the Ambassador for Humanity Award, the Institute's highest honor. Iger was recognized for his support of the Institute’s work, his longtime philanthropy, and his leadership role in corporate citizenship.<ref> June 11, 2012</ref>

In ], Iger was appointed an ] (KBE) by ] "for services to the UK/US relations".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/honorary-british-awards-to-foreign-nationals-2022/honorary-awards-to-foreign-nationals-in-2022 |title= Honorary awards to foreign nationals in 2022|date= September 23, 2022|access-date= September 24, 2022|website=GOV.UK}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Queen's final knighthoods go to Williams and Iger |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6p51x0lexdo |website=] |date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=September 27, 2022}}</ref>

==Controversies==
In November 2017, ''Variety'' reported that Iger knew about a 2010 Oscar party where Pixar chief ] was seen "making out with a junior staffer", seeming to confirm anonymous allegations that Lasseter's inappropriate interactions with young women had been known to company leadership since the 1990s. One anonymous source was quoted as saying, "I know personally that Bob was aware.&nbsp;... Everybody was aware. They just didn't do anything about it."<ref name="auto">{{cite web |last1=Gene |first1=Maddaus |last2=Lopez |first2=Ricardo |date=November 28, 2017 |title=Disney Faces Daunting Questions in Wake of John Lasseter, Harvey Weinstein Scandals |url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/disney-john-lasseter-harvey-weinstein-scandals-1202624219/ |access-date=May 25, 2021 |website=Variety}}</ref>

In August 2019, ''Vanity Fair'' reported that actress ] added Iger to her lawsuit against ] over allegations of rape, claiming that he and previous CEO ] "made a series of decisions that allowed a range of actions by Harvey Weinstein that unacceptably harmed certain employees".<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Bradley|first=Laura|date=August 28, 2019|title=Disney, Bob Iger Added to Paz de la Huerta's Harvey Weinstein Lawsuit|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/08/paz-de-la-huerta-harvey-weinstein-lawsuit-disney-bob-iger|access-date=May 25, 2021|magazine=Vanity Fair}}</ref> Disney denied any knowledge of misconduct or settlements with victims during Weinstein's run at ] from 1993 to 2005.<ref name="auto" />

During a July 2023 interview on ], Iger criticized the ] as "not realistic". He added that the unions "are adding to the set of the challenges that this business is already facing that is, quite frankly, very disruptive."<ref name="huffpost.com">{{cite news |last1=Fang |first1=Marina |title=Disney CEO Earning About $27 Million A Year Calls Strike By Writers And Actors 'Disturbing' |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/disney-ceo-bob-iger-pay-writers-actors-strike_n_64b0255ae4b038c60cc318f4}}</ref> Iger's comments were widely criticized both inside and outside of Hollywood for being elitist and out of touch, with ''The Huffington Post'' writer Marina Fang noting Iger's $27 million annual salary that he received when rejoining Disney.<ref name="huffpost.com"/>

==Works==
* {{cite book |last1=Iger |first1=Robert |title=The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company |date=September 23, 2019 |publisher=] |isbn=9780399592096 |oclc=1111242203 |url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/556683/the-ride-of-a-lifetime-by-robert-iger/9780399592096/}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|30em}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}}
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* {{IMDb name|id=2250609|name=Bob Iger}}
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Latest revision as of 15:01, 28 December 2024

American business executive (born 1951)

Bob Iger
Iger in 2013
BornRobert Alan Iger
(1951-02-10) February 10, 1951 (age 73)
New York City, US
EducationIthaca College (BS)
TitleCEO, The Walt Disney Company
Term
  • September 2005 – February 2020
  • November 2022 – present
Predecessor
SuccessorBob Chapek
Political party
Board member of
Spouses
Kathleen Susan ​(divorced)
Willow Bay ​(m. 1995)
Children4
RelativesJerry Iger (great-uncle)
Signature

Robert Alan Iger (/ˈaɪɡər/; born February 10, 1951) is an American media executive who is chief executive officer (CEO) of The Walt Disney Company. He previously was the president of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) between 1994 and 1995 and president and chief operating officer (COO) of Capital Cities/ABC, from 1995 until its acquisition by Disney in 1996. Iger was named president of Disney in 2000 and succeeded Michael Eisner as CEO in 2005, until his contract expired in 2020. He then was executive chairman until his formal retirement from the company on December 31, 2021. After his exit from the company, Iger continued as an advisor to his successor.

However, at the request of Disney's board of directors, Iger returned to Disney as CEO on November 20, 2022, following the unscheduled and immediate dismissal of his appointed successor, Bob Chapek. Iger's 2023 pay package included a base salary of $865,385, stock awards of $16.1 million, $10 million in stock option awards, $2.1 million in performance-based compensation and $2.48 million in other compensation, leading to a total pay award of $31.6 million, according to Disney's annual proxy statement. In July 2023, Disney renewed Iger's contract until 2026.

Considered a highly effective and visionary media executive, Iger was able to broaden Disney's roster of intellectual properties, expanded its presence in international markets, and oversaw an increase of the company's market capitalization from $56 billion to $231 billion during his initial 15-year stewardship of the company. He led the major acquisitions of Pixar in 2006 for $7.4 billion, Marvel Entertainment in 2009 for $4 billion, Lucasfilm in 2012 for $4.06 billion, and the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox in 2019 for $71.3 billion. Iger also expanded the company's theme park resorts presence in East Asia, with the introduction of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort in 2005 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, he was also the driving force behind the reinvigoration of Walt Disney Animation Studios, the branded-release strategy of its film studio's output, and the company's increased investment in its direct-to-consumer businesses, including Disney+ and Hulu.

Early life and education

Robert Alan Iger was born to a Jewish family in New York City. He is the oldest son of Miriam "Mimi" (née Tunick) (1927–2013) and Arthur L. Iger (1926–2010). His father was a World War II Navy veteran who was the executive vice president and general manager of the Greenvale Marketing Corporation, and was also a professor of advertising and public relations. His mother worked at Boardman Junior High School in Oceanside, New York. Arthur's father Joe (i.e. Bob's paternal grandfather) was cartoonist Jerry Iger's brother.

He was raised in Oceanside, where he attended the Fulton Avenue School and graduated from Oceanside High School in 1969. In 1973, he graduated magna cum laude from the School of Communications at Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Television and Radio.

Career

Iger began his media career in 1972 as the host of Campus Probe, an Ithaca College television show. He dreamed of becoming a news anchor while he worked as a weatherman in Ithaca for five months, before shifting his career goals.

American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

In 1974, Iger joined the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). His first job was performing menial labor on television sets for $150 a week (over $700, adjusted for inflation).

In 1988, Iger was the senior program executive for the Calgary Winter Olympics. The event was marred by disruptive weather and delayed events, and to fill the broadcast schedule Iger's team focused on human interest stories such as those of the Jamaican bobsled team and Eddie the Eagle. The event achieved record-high ratings for ABC, and Iger's performance under pressure caught the attention of ABC executives Daniel Burke and Thomas Murphy, who subsequently championed Iger throughout his ascent at ABC.

In 1989, he was named head of ABC Entertainment, green lighting shows such as Twin Peaks, America's Funniest Home Videos and Cop Rock. He was president of the ABC Network Television Group from January 1993 to 1994, and was appointed as Capital Cities/ABC senior vice president in March 1993 and executive vice president in July 1993. In 1994, Iger was named president and chief operating officer of ABC's corporate parent, Capital Cities/ABC.

The Walt Disney Company

In 1995, The Walt Disney Company purchased Capital Cities/ABC and renamed it ABC, Inc., where Iger remained chairman until 1999.

On February 25, 1999, Disney named Iger the president of Walt Disney International, the business unit that oversees Disney's international operations, as well as chairman of the ABC Group, removing him from day-to-day authority at ABC. Disney called the change a promotion for Iger.

Disney named Iger the president and chief operating officer (COO) on January 24, 2000, making him Disney's No. 2 executive under chairman and CEO, Michael Eisner. Disney had been without a separate president since Eisner assumed the role following the departure of Michael Ovitz in 1997, after sixteen months at Disney.

In 2003, board members Roy E. Disney and Stanley Gold began a campaign called "save Disney" against Eisner. As a result, Disney began a search for the next CEO to replace Eisner. On March 13, 2005, Disney announced that Iger would succeed Michael Eisner as CEO, and Iger was placed in charge of day-to-day operations, though Eisner held the title of CEO until he resigned on September 30, 2005. In July 2005, Disney and Gold dropped the campaign and agreed to work with Iger.

One of Iger's first major decisions as CEO was to reassign Disney's chief strategic officer, Peter Murphy, and disband the company's Strategic Planning division. It was around this time Iger started to become known as "Bob" rather than "Robert".

On January 24, 2006, under Iger's leadership, Disney announced it would acquire Pixar for $7.4 billion in an all-stock transaction. In the same year, Iger also re-acquired the rights to Walt Disney's first star, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, from NBCUniversal by releasing sportscaster Al Michaels from ABC Sports to NBC Sports.

In August 2009, Iger negotiated for Disney to acquire Marvel Entertainment and its associated assets for $4 billion. By 2014, Disney had grossed more than that amount at the box office through the Marvel movies. On October 7, 2011, Disney announced that Iger would become chairman of the board, following John Pepper's retirement from the board in March 2012.

In October 2012, Iger signed a deal with filmmaker George Lucas to purchase Lucasfilm for $4 billion. As a result, Disney acquired the rights to the Star Wars multimedia franchise and Indiana Jones. In March 2016, Iger announced the opening of the $5.5 billion Shanghai Disney Resort later that year.

Iger's contract as Disney's chairman and CEO was originally planned to run until June 30, 2018. In March 2017, Disney extended Iger's term to July 2, 2019, and said he would be a consultant for the following three years. In December 2017, Disney extended Iger's contract through 2021.

In July 2018 Disney and 21st Century Fox shareholders approved a deal to allow Disney to purchase Fox assets. The deal was finalized in March 2019.

In April 2019, it was announced that Iger would depart from his position as CEO and chairman of Disney when his contract expired in 2021. Iger resigned from Apple's board of directors on September 10, 2019, in order to avoid a conflict of interest as Disney and Apple prepared to launch competing streaming services Disney+ and Apple TV+.

In September 2019, Iger released his memoir The Ride of a Lifetime.

In 2020, Iger announced his intention to retire. On February 25 that year, the board of directors named Bob Chapek – then-chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products – the new chief executive, while appointing Iger executive chairman (an ad hoc post) to oversee the transition. In April however, the board unexpectedly extended Iger's mandate until the end of 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 31, 2021, Iger stepped down and was succeeded by Susan Arnold as chair of the board. However, on November 20, 2022, Chapek was ousted by the Disney board with Iger reinstated as CEO. At the time of his rejoining Disney, Iger initially agreed to hold the post for two years while looking for a successor. However, on July 12, 2023, Iger and Disney extended the contract until the end of 2026.

Company boards and other activities

On November 15, 2011, Apple Inc., led by CEO Tim Cook, named Iger to its board of directors. Iger was reportedly responsible for making Steve Jobs Disney's largest shareholder after its all-stock acquisition of Jobs' Pixar. In September 2019, Iger resigned from his position on the board after Apple announced the pricing and release date of Apple TV+, a subscription streaming service which would compete with Disney+ upon its launch in November 2021.

In October 2020, he became a director of the dairy-replacement startup Perfect Day.

Iger joined the board of Genies, Inc. in March 2022.

In July 2024, Iger and his wife, Willow Bay, agreed to take a majority stake in Angel City FC, a Los Angeles-based National Women's Soccer League team, with a $100 million investment. To avoid any conflicts of interest, Iger agreed to recuse himself from all Disney and ESPN business matters related to the women's soccer league.

Personal life

Iger has been married twice. His first marriage to Kathleen Susan Iger ended in divorce. They have two daughters. In 1995, Iger married journalist Willow Bay in an interfaith Jewish and Roman Catholic service in Bridgehampton, New York.

According to Forbes, Iger's estimated net worth is over $700 million in 2024.

Politics

Iger has described himself as a political centrist. He previously identified with the Democratic Party. In 2016, Iger switched his party registration from Democratic to independent.

In May 2016, during a dispute over Disney Resort's low wages, Iger wrote in a Facebook post claiming that Disney had hired 11,000 new employees in the past decade at Disneyland, and 18,000 in the past 5 years in the US. Iger specifically targeted Vermont Senator, Bernie Sanders, who had been outspoken on the issue. Disney settled with the Department of Labor and agreed to pay back wages the following year.

Iger co-chaired a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign on August 22, 2016. He was named to President-elect Trump's Strategic and Policy Forum on December 2, 2016. He resigned from the Forum on June 1, 2017, out of protest after President Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Iger had considered running for president before and after the 2016 election as a Democrat, but ultimately decided against it.

Accolades and recognition

In December 2019, Iger was named by Time as their Businessperson of the Year. In 2020, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.

In September 2022, Iger was appointed an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II "for services to the UK/US relations".

Controversies

In November 2017, Variety reported that Iger knew about a 2010 Oscar party where Pixar chief John Lasseter was seen "making out with a junior staffer", seeming to confirm anonymous allegations that Lasseter's inappropriate interactions with young women had been known to company leadership since the 1990s. One anonymous source was quoted as saying, "I know personally that Bob was aware. ... Everybody was aware. They just didn't do anything about it."

In August 2019, Vanity Fair reported that actress Paz de la Huerta added Iger to her lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein over allegations of rape, claiming that he and previous CEO Michael Eisner "made a series of decisions that allowed a range of actions by Harvey Weinstein that unacceptably harmed certain employees". Disney denied any knowledge of misconduct or settlements with victims during Weinstein's run at Miramax from 1993 to 2005.

During a July 2023 interview on CNBC, Iger criticized the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes as "not realistic". He added that the unions "are adding to the set of the challenges that this business is already facing that is, quite frankly, very disruptive." Iger's comments were widely criticized both inside and outside of Hollywood for being elitist and out of touch, with The Huffington Post writer Marina Fang noting Iger's $27 million annual salary that he received when rejoining Disney.

Works

References

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Business positions
Preceded byBrandon Stoddard President of ABC Entertainment
1989–1992
Succeeded byTed Harbert
Preceded byVacant
(Previously Michael Ovitz)
President of the Walt Disney Company
2000–2012
Succeeded byVacant
Preceded byMichael Eisner CEO of the Walt Disney Company
2005–2020
Succeeded byBob Chapek
Preceded byBob Chapek CEO of the Walt Disney Company
2022–
Succeeded by
Preceded byJohn E. Pepper Jr. Chairman of the Walt Disney Company
2012–2021
Succeeded bySusan Arnold
New title Executive chairman of the Walt Disney Company
2020–2021
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