Bob Iger is once again the CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Tonight an email was sent out from Iger to Disney employees from Bob Iger announcing his return. Susan Arnold, Chairman of Disney’s Board of Directors also released a statement thanking Bob Chapek for his service to the company.
“We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said 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.”
The return of Iger as CEO comes after he stepped down from the role in the spring of 2020. The following years have been bumpy for the company as it navigated an evolving business model, a pandemic, new leadership, and other economic challenges.
The return of Bob Iger to the role of CEO has been rumored about but not given a lot of credence recently. His return will come as the company still is entering a new era and also as it prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary. What changes he will make moving forward isn’t known.
The full email can be found here:
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
Shortly after the email was sent out, The Walt Disney Company released a statement on the changing of the CEO position for The Walt Disney Company. The full statement can be read here.
Daps Magic will continue to pursue this story and provide updates as they become available. What do you think about the return of Bob Iger to the CEO role? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
