Today Disney fans received an email from recently returned Disney CEO Bob Iger. In the email with the subject heading “A Holiday Message from Bob Iger,” he shares gratitude for the Disney fans. “Disney is fortunate to have the most devoted and enthusiastic fans,” Iger said in the email. He continued on to share about how he was reminded of this when visiting Disneyland for the Candlelight Processional. When he did, he was greeted by cheers from fans that were ecstatic about his return to the CEO role. “We are immeasurably grateful to the generations of fans all around the globe who have invited our stories and characters into their lives,” Iger said.
The email comes as the company prepares to begin its 100th anniversary celebration. As Iger shared about the coming celebration, he also again expressed gratitude for the Disney community that will be celebrating this milestone together. The email continues with a nod towards D23 and the events that it will be holding in the coming year as part of the Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration. As he looks to the future he shares that “we love your passion for our company and your enthusiasm for what we create, and we will continue to do our best to exceed your highest expectations.”
Iger also says, “there has never been a better time to be a Disney fan.” He then wraps up the email by expressing how happy he is to be leading Disney again, how grateful he is for the fans, and wishing everyone a “a wonderful holiday season and a very happy and prosperous New Year.”
This is the first email of its kind to be received from a Disney CEO, from that CEO’s own email address. It comes after two years where Disney fans have felt less than appreciated by former Disney CEO Bob Chapek. Since returning as the Disney CEO, Disney fans have seen spirits climb with hopes that things will change and the focus will return to creativity, people, and making magic instead of only the bottom line. This email of gratitude from Iger is a good step as Disney shows the heart of the company has returned under his leadership.
The full email can be read here:
Dear Mr. Daps,
As we approach the end of 2022, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to the biggest Disney fans in the world – all of you.
Disney is fortunate to have the most devoted and enthusiastic fans, and I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when I visited Disneyland Resort and attended the Candlelight Processional. It was invigorating to be surrounded by so many guests who make what we do possible. We love your passion for our company and your enthusiasm for what we create, and we will continue to do our best to exceed your highest expectations.
As you know, next year Disney will mark its 100th anniversary. We are immeasurably grateful to the generations of fans all around the globe who have invited our stories and characters into their lives, and we look forward to celebrating the groundbreaking moments, the cherished memories, and the creative visionaries that made Disney the most beloved name in entertainment over the past century.
During the coming year, D23 will launch a slate of exciting events to mark this historic milestone. More information can be found here.
Looking at all the opportunities ahead, I can honestly say there has never been a better time to be a Disney fan. It is an extraordinary privilege to lead this remarkable company again, and I am so grateful for your continued passion for Disney. On behalf of all of us at The Walt Disney Company, I wish you a wonderful holiday season and a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Best,
