Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images
Have you heard the great news Mouseketeers? Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert A. Iger (known by many as Bob Iger) is now back as Disney’s CEO–effective immediately! The Disney company has let go of its previous CEO, Bob Chapek, who had been appointed to the position during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bob Iger previously had served with The Walt Disney Company for 15 years and agreed at this time to return to his previous role as CEO for another two years until they are able to identify another candidate who they feel would serve as the next best successor to move the Walt Disney Company forward.
Bob Iger had the following to say via email to its Disney employees and cast members:
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.
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
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) formally released the following statement shortly afterwards:
“We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” stated Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board. “The Board has concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely situated to lead the Company through this pivotal period.”
“Mr. Iger has the deep respect of Disney’s senior leadership team, most of whom he worked closely with until his departure as executive chairman 11 months ago, and he is greatly admired by Disney employees worldwide–all of which will allow for a seamless transition of leadership,” Ms. Arnold stated. Currently Ms. Arnold continues to be the Chairman of the Board.
Bob Iger further continued to express his joy of returning to the company by stating the following:
“I am extremely optimistic for the future of this great company and thrilled to be asked by the Board to return as its CEO. Disney and its incomparable brands and franchises hold a special place in the hearts of so many people around the globe—most especially in the hearts of our employees, whose dedication to this company and its mission is an inspiration. I am deeply honored to be asked to again lead this remarkable team, with a clear mission focused on creative excellence to inspire generations through unrivaled, bold storytelling.”
– Bob Iger
Bob Iger had previously assisted The Walt Disney Company with obtaining the likes of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox which has been largely successful.
Many fans have for a long time been displeased and upset time and time again by Bob Chapek and more so when he had remarked that we (and yes I include myself in this) were an “unfavorable attendance mix” for being local passholders.
It comes as no surprise that fans from all over are rejoicing at the return of Bob Iger. Thank you for tuning into Disney Finds for the latest Disney News! Be sure to subscribe to my magic newsletter if you haven’t already.
