Bob Iger: Following the unexpected announcement that he would be taking over as chief executive immediately from Bob Chapek, Disney’s Bob Iger wrote to House of Mouse staff members on Sunday, noting “an extraordinary sense of gratitude and humility—and, I must admit, a touch of disbelief.” He is not alone in this.
Bob Iger Returns To Disney With Humility, Gratitude
The saga of the two Bobs has continued since Chapek abruptly succeeded Bob Iger in early 2020, right when Covid began, and it has turned into a bit of a quarrel because the new CEO supposedly didn’t like the former boss always watching over him.
After a few high-profile missteps, Wall Streeters and industry insiders were worried about Chapek’s future at the company, but those worries dissipated after Disney’s board of directors unanimously decided in June to replace his initial contract, which was due to expire in February 2023, with a new three-year deal that started on July 1.
The board, headed by Susan Arnold, declared at the time that “Bob Iger is the right leader at the right time for The Walt Disney Company, and the Board has full confidence in him and his leadership team.”
Following Disney’s disappointing fiscal fourth-quarter financial results two weeks ago, which were hampered by streaming losses and persistent fan anger over theme park pricing, Chapek was abruptly fired.
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Dear Cast Members and Coworkers,
I am writing to you this evening to share the news that I will be returning to The Walt Disney Company as CEO with the utmost gratitude, humility, and, I must say, a little bit of amazement.
I am in awe of your achievements and eager to work with you on many new projects as I consider the creative success of our teams across our Studios, Disney General Entertainment, ESPN, and International, the explosive growth of our streaming services, the phenomenal reimagining and rebound of our Parks, the ongoing great work of ABC News, and so many other accomplishments across our businesses.
As you have heard me say before, I am an optimist, and if I learned anything 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.
I know this company has asked so much of you over the past three years, and these times undoubtedly remain quite challenging.
Tomorrow and in the coming weeks, you will hear more from me and your leaders. Please accept my sincere gratitude for all you do in the interim.
Thanks to you, Disney has a special place in the hearts of people all across the world. Your commitment to this business and its aim to spread joy through excellent storytelling inspires me every single day.
