A recent notice from the Board of the Walt Disney Company notes that Robert “Bob” Iger is back as the CEO, just 2 years after his retirement. Meanwhile, Bob Chapek steps down a few months before his own contract ends. Some experts say this decision may have been the effect of the weak fiscal fourth quarter of the company. Deadline reports that Iger and Chapek did not exactly have a smooth relationship since 2020.
Bob Iger passed the office of the CEO to Chapek in 2020. At the time, he retired from the company after 47 years of service. 15 years of which as the top honcho. However, he remained as the executive chairman until the end of 2021. For the most part of 2022, Iger has lived in retirement. But now, he comes back to his previous office as the CEO for two years.
Bob Iger Back As Top Disney Honcho
Image: Disney
Included in Iger’s new contract with Walt Disney Company is the search and preparation for his successor. Last Sunday, Iger writes:
Dear Fellow Employees and Cast Members,
It is with an incredible sense of gratitude and humility—and, I must admit, a bit of amazement—that I write to you this evening with the news that I am returning to The Walt Disney Company as Chief Executive Officer.
When I look at the creative success of our teams across our Studios, Disney General Entertainment, ESPN and International, the rapid growth of our streaming services, the phenomenal reimagining and rebound of our Parks, the continued great work of ABC News, and so many other achievements across our businesses, I am in awe of your accomplishments and I am excited to embark with you on many new endeavors.
Bob Iger Back As Top Disney Honcho
The new CEO acknowledges Disney employees of their steadfast resilience through the challenging times. He continues:
I know this company has asked so much of you during the past three years, and these times certainly remain quite challenging, but as you have heard me say before, I am an optimist, and if I learned one thing from my years at Disney, it is that even in the face of uncertainty—perhaps especially in the face of uncertainty—our employees and Cast Members achieve the impossible.
You will be hearing more from me and your leaders tomorrow and in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, allow me to express my deep gratitude for all that you do. Disney holds a special place in the hearts of people around the globe thanks to you, and your dedication to this company and its mission to bring joy to people through great storytelling is an inspiration to me every single day.
Bob Iger
Online reactions to the decision are very positive. Many say that Disney has been losing its magic over the recent years. And now that Iger is back, they are hopeful that Disney will be able to pick itself up again. There are those who couldn’t believe the news. In their minds, when people said they wished Iger to take the CEO position again, they thought it was just wishful thinking.
However, they also realized that in Disney: A dream is a wish your heart makes. And wishes do come true. Welcome back Bob Iger!
