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Bob Iger

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Bob Iger
NameBob Iger
CaptionIger in 2019
Birth nameRobert Allen Iger
Birth date10 February 1951
Birth placeNew York City, U.S.
EducationIthaca College (BA)
OccupationBusiness executive
SpouseWillow Bay (m. 1995), Kathleen Susan (m. 1974; div. 1994)
Known forCEO of Disney (2005–2020, 2022–present)
TitleCEO of The Walt Disney Company
Term2005–2020, 2022–present
PredecessorMichael Eisner
SuccessorBob Chapek (2020)

Bob Iger is an American media executive who has served as the chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company across two separate tenures, from 2005 to 2020 and again from 2022 onward. His leadership is widely credited with transforming Disney into a global entertainment and content powerhouse through a series of strategic acquisitions and a focus on technological innovation. Iger also served as the company's chairman from 2012 to 2021 and resumed the role of executive chairman upon his return as CEO.

Early life and education

Robert Allen Iger was born in the borough of Manhattan and raised in a Jewish family in Oceanside on Long Island. His early interest in television was sparked by watching shows like The Wonderful World of Disney and observing the work of broadcast journalists. He attended Ithaca College, where he majored in television and radio and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973. During his college years, Iger worked as a weatherman for the campus television station, ICTV, and briefly pursued a career in broadcast journalism.

Career at ABC and Capital Cities/ABC

Iger began his professional career in 1974 as a studio supervisor for the American Broadcasting Company in New York City. He steadily rose through the ranks at ABC Sports and Entertainment, holding positions such as director of program planning and later vice president of programming. Following the landmark acquisition of ABC by Capital Cities Communications in 1986, Iger's responsibilities expanded significantly. He was promoted to president of the ABC Television Network Group in 1989, overseeing the network's entertainment division during a period of intense competition with rivals like NBC and CBS. His tenure included the successful launch of hit series such as *Home Improvement* and the negotiation of key broadcast rights for events like the Olympic Games.

Tenure as CEO of The Walt Disney Company

Iger joined The Walt Disney Company in 1996 following its acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC, initially serving as president of the Disney International division and later as chief operating officer under CEO Michael Eisner. He succeeded Eisner as CEO in October 2005, inheriting a company facing creative stagnation and strained relationships with key partners like Pixar. Iger's strategy centered on what he termed "three pillars": generating high-quality branded content, embracing innovation and technology, and expanding into global markets. This vision drove a historic series of acquisitions, including the purchases of Pixar (2006), Marvel Entertainment (2009), Lucasfilm (2012), and the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox (2019). He also oversaw the massive expansion of Disney's theme park portfolio, including the openings of Shanghai Disney Resort and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and launched the direct-to-consumer streaming service Disney+.

Post-CEO roles and return to Disney

After stepping down as CEO in February 2020, Iger transitioned to the role of executive chairman to focus on the company's creative endeavors, while Bob Chapek assumed the CEO position. However, following a period of corporate challenges and subscriber growth concerns for Disney+, the board of directors removed Chapek and reinstated Iger as CEO in November 2022. Upon his return, Iger announced a major corporate restructuring aimed at improving profitability, granting more autonomy to creative leaders, and addressing the evolving media landscape. He has since extended his contract to remain CEO through the end of 2026.

Business philosophy and legacy

Iger's leadership philosophy, detailed in his memoir *The Ride of a Lifetime*, emphasizes optimism, courage, decisiveness, and fairness. His legacy is defined by the transformative acquisitions that brought iconic franchises like *The Avengers*, Star Wars, and *Finding Nemo* under the Disney umbrella, fundamentally reshaping the modern media industry. He is also recognized for his early bet on streaming with Disney+, his stewardship of ESPN through the digital transition, and his emphasis on global growth, particularly in markets like China and Europe. Critics, however, note the challenges of integrating massive acquisitions and the significant debt incurred from the 21st Century Fox deal.

Personal life

Iger has been married twice; his first marriage to Kathleen Susan ended in divorce, and he married journalist Willow Bay in 1995. He has four children from his marriages. A noted philanthropist, Iger serves on the boards of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. He and his wife are significant donors to educational and arts institutions, including Ithaca College and the American Film Institute. Iger is also an avid runner and has completed several marathons.

Category:American chief executives Category:The Walt Disney Company people Category:1951 births Category:Living people