Bob Iger has announced that he will be delaying his retirement again. This comes as part of a deal for Disney to acquire major elements of 21st Century Fox. Because of the complexities of this deal, Iger has extended his contract to 2021 to oversee the acquisition.
Bob Iger succeeded Michael Eisner as the CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 2005. Since then, Disney has grown and acquired multiple companies under his leadership. This includes Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Entertainment, and Lucasfilm. Now, 21st Century Fox will be added to this legacy of growth.
The acquisition of 21st Century Fox will include the movie and television studios but not Fox Broadcasting Co., Fox Sports, Fox News, Fox Television Stations. These will be spun off into a new company. The acquisition includes movie titles like The Sound of Music, Avatar, and the original Star Wars.
Bob Iger is currently 66 years old and will be around 70 years old when he is now scheduled to retire. Who will succeed him as CEO of The Walt Disney Company is currently a big unknown. James Murdoch will be helping with the transition of the Fox properties and Iger has said they will evaluate if there is a future role for him. There has been quiet talk that he could be a potential successor. Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek has also been floated as a possibility for the role.
Who do you think will be the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company? What do you think of Bob Iger’s decision to postpone his retirement? Will he really retire in 2021? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Bob Iger at Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening Ceremony on June 15, 2012
