Bob Iger May Leave His Role as Disney CEO by the End of 2026, According to Reports

Bob Iger on July 22, 2024.
Credit:

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger is reportedly planning to step down from his position in 2026, according to The Wall Street Journal.
• Iger previously served as Disney’s CEO from 2005 to 2020 and returned to the role in November 2022 after Bob Chapek’s brief tenure.
• A spokesperson for Disney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Bob Iger, who has held the CEO position at Walt Disney Company from 2005 to 2020, is reportedly preparing to step down again. He returned to the role in November 2022, following Bob Chapek’s short tenure.

As reported by The Wall Street Journal on January 30, Iger, 74, has indicated to associates that he plans to “pull back from daily management” before his contract concludes on December 31, 2026. Anonymous sources state he is ready to transition out of the demanding CEO role.

A Disney spokesperson has not yet provided a comment regarding these reports.

In 2024, Disney suggested that it would announce a new CEO to succeed Iger by early 2026, as reported by Variety.

Bob Iger on Nov. 24, 2024.

Noam Galai/Getty

Iger became the seventh CEO of Disney after Michael Eisner’s retirement in 2005. When he first stepped down in February 2020, he noted it was “the optimal time to transition to a new CEO.” He remained as chairman of the board until 2021 when his contract with Disney concluded.

Bob Chapek, who succeeded Iger, only held the position for a limited time. On November 21, 2022, Disney announced Iger’s return after Chapek’s departure. At that time, Iger had agreed to serve as CEO for an additional two years.

Bob Iger on Jan. 23, 2024.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

“I am extremely optimistic for the future of this great company and thrilled to be asked by the Board to return as its CEO,” Iger stated in 2022. “Disney and its incomparable brands and franchises hold a special place in the hearts of so many people around the globe — most especially in the hearts of our employees, whose dedication to this company and its mission is an inspiration.”

“I am deeply honored to be asked to again lead this remarkable team, with a clear mission focused on creative excellence to inspire generations through unrivaled, bold storytelling,” he added.