Bob Iger Returns to Thrive Capital Shortly After Stepping Down as Disney CEO
Bob Iger has taken on a new role as an advisor at Thrive Capital, marking his first significant move since passing the CEO position at Disney to Josh D’Amaro.
Josh Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, announced Iger’s return in a post on X, stating, “Bob leads with boldness and conviction because he knows what he is building and why. He is rejoining Thrive at a time when that kind of leadership matters most.”
Iger’s association with Thrive began in 2022 when he served as a venture partner during a brief hiatus from Disney. After resuming his role at Disney in early 2023, he participated in a personal investment in the firm, which was unrelated to his responsibilities as CEO.
Thrive Capital, established in 2009, focuses on investments in internet, software, and technology companies, recently raising $10 billion for its latest fund. Iger’s tenure as Disney CEO saw a strong focus on technology, highlighted by partnerships with notable companies like Epic Games and OpenAI, as well as a groundbreaking deal with late Apple CEO Steve Jobs for the distribution of series such as Grey’s Anatomy and Lost on iTunes.
Despite significant achievements, not all of Iger’s ventures in technology were successful. His acquisitions of Maker Studios and Club Penguin faced challenges, and a recent agreement with OpenAI fell apart after the startup discontinued its Sora video generator.
Iger, who celebrated his 75th birthday in February, has not publicly shared any plans for the future nor granted interviews hinting at his next steps. Following his departure from Disney in February 2020, he invested in various emerging companies and, alongside his wife Willow Bay, acquired Angel City FC, a team in the National Women’s Soccer League. He returned as CEO of Disney in 2022 after Bob Chapek was ousted, a move that underscored the company’s ongoing leadership challenges.
