Robert Allen Iger aka Bob Iger is a prominent American media business executive who currently holds the position of CEO at The Walt Disney Company. He served as the executive chairman of Disney until he retired from the company on December 31, 2021. However, due to the sudden dismissal of his appointed successor, Bob Chapek, Iger returned to Disney as CEO on November 20, 2022, at the request of Disney’s board of directors.
A Raging Success
During his initial 15-year tenure as CEO, Iger significantly expanded Disney’s intellectual property portfolio, extended its global market reach, and boosted its market capitalization from $48 billion to $257 billion. He oversaw substantial acquisitions such as Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, and the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox. Additionally, Iger spearheaded Disney’s expansion into East Asia, inaugurating the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in 2005 and the Shanghai Disney Resort in 2016. He rejuvenated Walt Disney Animation Studios, implemented the branded-release approach for the company’s film studio output, and increased investments in direct-to-consumer enterprises, including Disney+ and Hulu. Iger’s leadership in the media industry is widely recognized for being among the most influential, practical, and successful.
The Origins
Robert Iger’s upbringing was in Oceanside, a predominantly working-class locality on Long Island, New York. His mother was a homemaker, and his father was an advertising professional. Iger noted that he observed his father struggle with regulating his moods and switching jobs frequently, as he was subsequently diagnosed with manic depression. However, his father consistently emphasized the importance of utilizing his time efficiently, which Iger attributes to much of his accomplishments.
From The Bottom
Robert Iger’s career began in 1974 when he joined the American Broadcasting Corporation as a Studio Supervisor, the lowest-ranking position at the company. He worked diligently as a production assistant on numerous television programs while occupying the bottom rung of the corporate ladder. Despite encountering hurdles such as unpleasant duties, mistreatment, lack of respect, and discrimination, Iger worked his way up the ranks within ABC’s Network Television Group, serving in various roles for over two decades. Eventually, he was appointed as the president and CEO of ABC, which was acquired by The Walt Disney Company only two years into his tenure. Five years later, he ascended to the position of president of Walt Disney International.
To The Top
Robert Iger has earned various accolades for his exceptional work, such as being included in Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” and Fortune magazine’s “Businessperson of the Year.” He was recognized as one of Fortune magazine’s “25 Most Powerful People in Business” in 2006-2007, and Forbes magazine hailed him as a “Top Gun CEO” in 2009. Moreover, under Iger’s direction, the Walt Disney Company was acknowledged as one of Forbes magazine’s “America’s Most Admired Companies.” He is also the author of a book named “The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company,” which outlines his career journey and leadership principles.
Aside from his contributions to Disney, Iger serves as a board member for several organizations, including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, the Bloomberg Family Foundation, and the US-China Business Council.
Leading With Empathy
David Geffen, another American business magnate praised Iger for his amiable personality, stating that he has never witnessed him being unkind and that he has never heard anyone say a negative thing about him. In January 2021, Iger made a $5 million donation to support small businesses that were grappling with the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bob Iger’s journey is nothing short of a movie that motivates you to start today and be the best version of yourself. For more stories of inspiration, be it through brands or personalities, join World Brand Affairs. We bring you all rounded information about the marketing world.
