Back in December 2021, Bob Iger stepped down from the Disney board and rode the retirement horse into the sunset, or so we thought.
In what can be termed as a shocker, Iger has now returned to the CEO seat of Disney, replacing his initial replacement, Bob Chapek. The change in management at the world’s largest media company caught the entertainment world by surprise.
The company’s board sent out a notice reporting that Bob I. was returning to replace Bob Chapek. “I am deeply honored to be asked to again lead this remarkable team, with a clear mission focused on creative excellence to inspire generations through unrivaled, bold storytelling,” Iger wrote in an email to staffers.
“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 Disney’s board of directors. “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.”
Back in February 2020, Iger handed over the baton as CEO to Chapek, then serving as executive chairman until the end of 2021. Iger will be CEO for a second time for the next two years, the company says. His mission will also include identifying a successor, something he had difficulty doing last time, postponing multiple plans to step down during his 15 years in the top job, the final stage of a 47-year run at Disney.
Here’s the full memo from Bob Iger to Disney staff members
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
