IGER RETURNS TO DISNEY AS CEO

Bob Iger is returning to the Walt Disney Co. as CEO effective immediately, signing up for two years. He’ll set the strategic direction for renewed growth for the company and work with its board on the search for his successor.

Iger, who spent more than four decades at Disney—15 years as chief executive—succeeds Bob Chapek.

After thanking Chapek for “navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” Chairman of the Board Susan Arnold said, “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.”

As CEO from 2005 to 2020, Iger oversaw the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox and increased the company’s market capitalization fivefold.