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Bob Iger

Bob Iger is an American media executive best known for serving as chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company in two separate periods, from 2005 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2026.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bob Iger is an American media executive best known for serving as chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company in two separate periods, from 2005 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2026. He previously held senior leadership roles at ABC and Capital Cities/ABC before Disney acquired the company in 1996.

Early career

Iger began his career at ABC in 1974 and later became president of ABC and president and chief operating officer of Capital Cities/ABC. His work at the network preceded Disney’s acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC in 1996.

Leadership at Disney

Iger was named president of Disney in 2000 and became CEO in 2005. During his leadership, Disney expanded through major acquisitions and grew its global media and entertainment portfolio.

Second return as CEO

After stepping down as CEO in 2020, Iger returned to lead Disney in late 2022. His return followed the departure of Bob Chapek and was intended to stabilize and reshape the company’s strategy.

Public profile and writing

Iger is a prominent business figure in the media industry and has been widely recognized for his corporate leadership. He also wrote a memoir based on his years at Disney.

Key facts

  • Bob Iger became Disney CEO in 2005 after serving in senior roles at ABC and Capital Cities/ABC.
  • He led Disney during major acquisitions including Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox.
  • He returned as Disney CEO in November 2022 after Bob Chapek’s departure.
  • He served as chairman and CEO during part of his Disney tenure and remained a major figure in the company’s leadership.
  • He is the author of the memoir The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
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Canadian context

Disney is a major media and entertainment company with significant business, broadcasting, and theme-park interests in Canada, so Iger’s leadership has had indirect relevance for Canadian audiences and media markets.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Bob Iger?
Bob Iger is an American media executive best known for leading The Walt Disney Company as CEO in two separate periods.
When was Bob Iger born?
He was born on February 10, 1951.
What company is Bob Iger most associated with?
He is most closely associated with The Walt Disney Company, where he served as CEO and chairman.
What major companies did Disney acquire under Bob Iger?
During his tenure, Disney acquired Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox.
Did Bob Iger work at ABC before Disney?
Yes. He held senior roles at ABC and Capital Cities/ABC before joining Disney’s leadership after its acquisition of the company.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Iger
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, Disney CEO terms, and prior ABC/Capital Cities/ABC roles.
  2. Ad Council — https://www.adcouncil.org/bob-iger-bio
    Supports: Disney leadership history, major acquisitions, ABC career, and author information.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/culture-magazines/iger-bob
    Supports: Biographical details and career progression at ABC and Disney.
  4. Business Insider — https://www.businessinsider.com/bob-iger-career-2024-3
    Supports: Recent Disney CEO transition context and timeline.