Bob Iger stands as one of Disney’s most influential leaders, shaping its legacy with bold decisions and strategic expansion. Starting his career on ABC’s production sets, he steadily climbed the ranks before joining Disney through its acquisition of ABC. As CEO, he revolutionized the company by acquiring Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, cementing Disney’s position as a global entertainment powerhouse. Though he retired in 2020, Iger returned in 2022 to steer the company through a challenging period. Let’s take a closer look at his remarkable journey.
Key Highlights
Transforming Disney – As CEO, Iger executed a visionary acquisition strategy, expanding Disney’s content empire and shaping it into a media giant.
Rise at ABC – Iger started in entry-level roles, gaining hands-on experience and showcasing an exceptional work ethic that propelled him forward.
Defining Acquisition – Disney’s 1995 purchase of Capital Cities/ABC marked a turning point in Iger’s career, ultimately leading him to the top of the company.
Inspired by Walter Cronkite
Born in 1951 in New York City, Bob Iger grew up in Oceanside, Long Island. From a young age, he was inspired by legendary news anchor Walter Cronkite, fueling his dream of working in media. He pursued a degree in Television and Radio at Ithaca College, later landing his first job as a local weatherman. However, this brief stint led him to rethink his path, setting the stage for his journey into media leadership.
Climbing the Ranks at ABC
In 1974, Iger began his ascent at ABC, working in various production roles and gaining in-depth industry knowledge. By the mid-1980s, he transitioned into executive positions, showcasing his leadership potential. Despite ABC’s acquisition by Capital Cities, Iger’s rise remained uninterrupted. By the late 1980s, he became head of ABC, overseeing the launch of iconic shows like Twin Peaks and America’s Funniest Home Videos. His continued success led to his appointment as president and COO of Capital Cities/ABC in 1994—just before Disney’s pivotal acquisition.
Reshaping Disney’s Future
Disney’s 1995 acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC redefined the company’s future, expanding its reach beyond movies and theme parks. With ESPN’s dominance in sports broadcasting and ABC’s vast TV network, Disney became a media powerhouse.
Iger’s influence continued to grow, and by 2000, he became Disney’s president and COO under CEO Michael Eisner. However, Eisner’s leadership faced criticism from Disney’s board and key industry figures, including Pixar’s Steve Jobs. The resulting power struggle led to Eisner’s departure, paving the way for Iger to take over as CEO in 2005.
The Era of Game-Changing Acquisitions
One of Iger’s first major moves as CEO was repairing Disney’s strained relationship with Pixar—leading to its acquisition in 2006. This not only brought the studio’s cutting-edge animation technology under Disney’s wing but also restored ties with Steve Jobs. The acquisition set the stage for Iger’s ambitious expansion strategy, which included:
- Marvel (2009) – Adding The Avengers, Iron Man, and Captain America to Disney’s lineup.
- Lucasfilm (2012) – Bringing Star Wars and Indiana Jones into the fold.
- 21st Century Fox (2019) – Expanding Disney’s content library and strengthening its presence in streaming.
These acquisitions fueled Disney’s growth across film, television, theme parks, and digital platforms. In 2019, Disney launched Disney+, leveraging its extensive content portfolio to compete in the streaming industry.
Retirement and Return
After leading Disney for 15 years, Iger stepped down in 2020. However, in 2022—amid corporate struggles under Bob Chapek—he returned as CEO. Tasked with stabilizing Disney and preparing it for the future, Iger’s leadership contract has since been extended through 2026.
A Legacy of Leadership
Iger’s management style is defined by collaboration, strategic vision, and adaptability. His ability to build strong industry relationships set him apart, as highlighted by his close ties with Steve Jobs and Apple. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, once compared Iger’s leadership to that of a tech visionary:
“Both are trying to skate to where the puck is going, not where it is.”
As he leads Disney through another defining era, Iger’s legacy as one of the entertainment industry’s most transformative leaders is firmly cemented. When he eventually steps down, his successor will have the daunting task of following in the footsteps of a true industry icon.
