The career rise of Bob Iger, from local weatherman to Disney's repeat CEO

Core Insights - The Walt Disney Company has officially transitioned leadership as Robert "Bob" Iger stepped down as CEO on March 18, 2026, after nearly 20 years in the role, with Josh D'Amaro taking over [1][60] - Iger's tenure is marked by significant acquisitions and record revenue growth, particularly in Disney's theme parks [1] Leadership Transition - Josh D'Amaro, previously the chairman of Disney Experiences, has been appointed as the new CEO, with Iger remaining on the board as a senior advisor [60] - D'Amaro outlined three priorities for Disney: storytelling, technology integration, and unified operations under the "One Disney" concept [60] Bob Iger's Career Highlights - Iger's career began at ABC in 1974, where he worked his way up to become president and chief operating officer of ABC's parent company, Capital Cities/ABC, by 1994 [9][13] - Under Iger's leadership, Disney made major acquisitions, including Pixar for $7.4 billion in 2006, Marvel for $4 billion in 2009, and Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012 [22] - Iger expanded Disney's theme parks internationally, notably opening Shanghai Disneyland in 2016 and announcing plans for a park in Abu Dhabi [23] Financial Performance - Iger's compensation in 2025 rose to $45.8 million, up from $41.1 million the previous year, reflecting his high-profile status in the industry [56] - Disney's stock performance has faced challenges, leading to skepticism among shareholders regarding Iger's ability to revitalize the company [44] Challenges and Controversies - Iger's return to Disney in 2022 was marked by difficulties, including a contentious proxy fight with activist investors, which cost an estimated $70 million [47] - Despite these challenges, Iger successfully retained control over the board, with shareholders supporting his leadership amid criticisms of past strategies [46][44]