Bob Iger Officially Exits Disney CEO Role, Handing Over to Josh D’Amaro

by

Today marks a new chapter for Disney. Bob Iger, who has been CEO since 2022, is stepping down.

As previously shared in January, this decision happens before his current contract ends this year, and follows reports that he was becoming…

Feeling disappointed by the recent issues, the CEO is stepping down after leading Disney for two terms. He’s handing over leadership to Josh D’Amaro, who previously oversaw Disney’s theme parks and resorts.

Bob Iger led Disney as CEO for almost 15 years, from 2005 to 2020. While he was in charge the first time, Disney bought Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. These acquisitions have since generated significant revenue for Disney – $40 billion from Pixar, $13 billion from Marvel, and $12 million from Lucasfilm.

In 2020, Bob Iger stepped down as CEO of Disney, passing the role to Bob Chapek. After a challenging two years under Chapek’s leadership, Iger returned. A significant part of Iger’s second term as CEO has been focused on reversing some of Chapek’s choices, including reducing the amount of new content released on Disney+ and refocusing on releasing films in theaters.

Bob Iger’s Disney Legacy

As a huge movie fan, I think one of the most interesting parts of Bob Iger’s time at Disney will be seeing how his deal with impacts things down the road. It was a big move where they basically gave the AI company permission to use tons of characters and imagery from Disney’s biggest properties – things from Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, brands Iger himself brought into the Disney family. It’s going to be fascinating to see how that plays out creatively and legally in the years to come.

As a huge movie fan, I’ve always known Bob Iger as someone who really gets technology. When Disney partnered with OpenAI, he explained it in a way that made a lot of sense to me. He said that AI is changing everything, and Disney wants to use it to tell even better stories. But, and this is important, they’re committed to doing it the right way – making sure artists and creators are respected and their work is protected. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities, but it’s also good to hear they’re thinking about the ethical side of things.

Although the impact of AI investments is still unfolding, Bob Iger’s overall return to Disney appears to be a success. He’s scaled back on new content for Disney+, and the company’s theme parks have bounced back strongly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s Next for Disney?

While it’s debatable whether Disney would have achieved these successes without Bob Iger, most agree he’s leaving the company in a stronger position than when he took over, especially for his successor, D’amaro. Disney has performed well globally for the past four years, and its future looks bright, with promising box office numbers expected in 2026. This marks the first time in seven years that new films from Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm – Disney’s powerhouse creative teams – are all on the horizon.

During the meeting where his departure was announced, Bob Iger praised Josh D’Amaro as the ideal next CEO. Iger highlighted D’Amaro’s natural feel for the Disney brand, his strong grasp of what audiences enjoy, and his dedication to meticulous planning and execution of major projects. He noted that D’Amaro skillfully blends innovative ideas with effective management, expressing excitement for both D’Amaro’s future and the company’s success.

Read More

2026-03-18 18:36