Bob Iger has officially stepped down as Walt Disney Company’s CEO. He will be replaced by Bob Chapek, who will become the CEO after serving as the chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
- Iger will stay within his role until 2021 to help with the transition.
- Iger said: “With the successful launch of Disney’s direct-to-consumer businesses and the integration of Twenty-First Century Fox well underway, I believe this is the optimal time to transition to a new CEO.”
- Iger said: “I have the utmost confidence in Bob and look forward to working closely with him over the next 22 months as he assumes this new role and delves deeper into Disney’s multifaceted global businesses and operations, while I continue to focus on the company’s creative endeavors.”
Bob Chapek named CEO of The Walt Disney Company effective immediately. Bob Iger becomes Executive Chairman and will stay on through the end of his contract on Dec. 31, 2021. pic.twitter.com/RyE4MmyJZv
— Dan Linden (@DanLinden) February 25, 2020
Twitter reacted to the news:
This man is partially responsible for Baby Yoda's existence.
— Joshua Axelrod (@jaxelburgh) February 25, 2020
God speed, sir. You've done enough https://t.co/K82USh6ygJ
There are a lot of confused media execs burning up the phones right now. Why is Bob Iger exiting as CEO so suddenly? What does it mean for Disney+? Insiders are in shock -- but heartened by the fact that he will remain executive chairman and direct Disney's creative endeavors.
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 25, 2020
Bob Iger presided over the acquisition of:
— Fandom (@getFANDOM) February 25, 2020
• Pixar - $7.4B (2006)
• Marvel - $4.24B (2009)
• Lucasfilm - $4.05B (2012)
• 21st Century Fox - $71B (2019)
Which was his smartest Disney purchase? pic.twitter.com/5t1YX6c7ve
One Bob replaces another.
— Frank Pallotta (@frankpallotta) February 25, 2020
Bob Iger steps down as Disney CEO as Bob Chapek takes over. https://t.co/XLL1KQNnIH
Bob Iger has officially stepped down as CEO of Disney and has now been replaced by Bob Chapek. Not expecting this news today. I wish Iger the best of luck in his future endeavors as well as Chapek the best of luck for leading Disney into the future.https://t.co/efFY6M2T2W
— Animated Antic (@Animated_Antic) February 25, 2020
I hear Bob Iger's last order of business was personally negotiating the return of Coach Gordon Bombay in THE MIGHTY DUCKS series on Disney+, and for that, we salute him.
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) February 25, 2020
Quack, quack, quack!
Had heard Chapek was likely to be next DIS CEO, but was not expecting it right now. Wow.
— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) February 25, 2020
🚨 $DIS Did not see this coming -- Wowza 👇👀 https://t.co/WzgYrPDyyh
— Rich Greenfield, LightShed 🔦 (@RichLightShed) February 25, 2020