Robert A. Iger – The Walt Disney Company
Robert A. iger returned to the walt disney company as chief executive officer on november 20, 2022. mr. iger previously served as CEO and Chairman of the Walt Disney Company from 2005 to 2020, then CEO and Chairman of the Board until 2021.
during his 15 years at the helm of disney, mr. iger was the manager of one of the largest media companies in the world and some of the most respected and beloved brands in the world. His strategic vision focused on three fundamental pillars: generating the best possible creative content; encourage innovation and use the latest technology; and expand into new markets around the world.
mr. iger built on disney’s rich history of telling unforgettable stories with the acquisitions of pixar (2006), marvel (2009), lucasfilm (2012) and 21st century fox (2019), and the historic opening of the first theme park and resort in Disney in Mainland China, Shanghai Disney Resort; and the release of a series of record-breaking films, including Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, Disney’s Frozen and Frozen 2, and the groundbreaking Marvel’s Black Panther film. always one to embrace new technology, mr. iger built disney into an industry leader through its creative content offerings on new and multiple platforms, including the successful launch of the disney+ streaming service in november 2019 and espn+ in 2018.
Disney’s exceptional entertainment experiences, widely diverse content and unique ability to manage businesses in an integrated manner led to strong results. during mr. iger, the walt disney company was recognized as one of the “most reputable companies” both in the united states and in the world by forbes magazine (2006-2019); one of the “best employers” in america and the world by forbes magazine (2019 and 2018, respectively); one of the “world’s most admired companies” by fortune magazine (2009-2021); and one of the “World’s Most Respected Companies” by Barron’s (2009-2017).
mr. iger was named chief executive officer of disney in october 2005 and was elected chairman in 2012. in february 2020, he assumed the role of chief executive and led the company’s creative efforts until his retirement in december 2021. from 2000 to 2005, Mr. iger served as president and chief operating officer. He officially joined Disney’s senior management team in 1996 as Chairman of the Disney-owned ABC Group, and in 1999 was given the additional responsibility of Chairman of Walt Disney International. In that role, Mr. iger expanded and coordinated disney’s presence outside the united states, setting the template for the company’s international growth today. As Chairman of the ABC Group, Mr. iger oversaw the broadcast television network and station group, cable television properties, and radio and publishing businesses, and also led the complex capital cities/abc, inc. merger. and the walt disney company. during mr. during his years at abc, he gained hands-on experience in all aspects of the television business, including news, sports and entertainment, as well as program acquisition, rights negotiations and commercial matters. he began his career at abc in 1974.
mr. iger has been named entrepreneur of the year by time (2019); one of the “most powerful people in the world” of forbes magazine (2018); one of forbes magazine’s “top gun CEOs” (2009); one of fortune magazine’s “25 Most Powerful People in Business” (2006, 2007); one of the “best CEOs” by institutional investor magazine (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011); Marketwatch CEO of the Year (2006); and “CEO of the Year” by Chief Executive Magazine (2014).
mr. iger was inducted into the television academy hall of fame in january 2020, and the broadcast and cable hall of fame in 2015. he currently serves on the boards of the 9/11 memorial & museum, bloomberg philanthropy, perfect day and geniuses; and served as capital campaign chair for the new academy of motion picture museum in los angeles. in 2012, mr. iger became a member of the academy of motion picture arts and sciences, one of the most prestigious honor societies in the country, which recognizes some of the world’s most outstanding academics, scientists, writers, artists, and civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders. he was previously a member of apple’s board of directors (2011-2019).
in september 2022, mr. Iger was recognized as an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his services to United Kingdom-United States relations.
mr. Iger is the author of the New York Times bestselling book “The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company”, published in 2019. He is a graduate of Ithaca College.
