Bob Iger Shares Memories from His 52 Years at Disney and Offers Support to Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden as He Steps Back
Bob Iger Reflects on Tenure as Disney CEO on Final Day
On his last day as CEO of Disney, Bob Iger took the opportunity to reflect on his 52-year journey with the company, expressing support for his successor, Josh D’Amaro, and fellow executives, including Dana Walden.
In a pre-recorded video presented at Wednesday’s annual shareholder meeting, Iger noted the challenges faced upon his return in 2022, when employee confidence was waning. "When I returned in 2022, people had lost confidence in the company they worked for,” he remarked. “Today, everywhere I turn, I sense confidence and excitement about what lies ahead. So, as I step away, I do so with enormous gratitude and real optimism."
D’Amaro’s appointment last month followed a rigorous succession process led by Disney chairman James Gorman. Walden was named president and chief creative officer, enhancing the leadership team that Iger believes will steer the company into a promising future. Iger’s remarks highlight the importance of morale during his second tenure, contrasting it with his previous choice of Bob Chapek as his successor in 2020.
"I’ve always believed that leaders don’t create the magic," Iger said. "The people who work for and with the leaders do. And my greatest privilege has been supporting that talent, listening, learning, and doing everything that I could to nurture the creative spirit and protect the values that define this place."
Iger praised D’Amaro, describing him as "a wonderful choice to lead the Walt Disney Company." He emphasized D’Amaro’s passion for the company’s brands and respect for its employees. Iger also commended Walden’s role in focusing on creativity, stating, “I will be cheering on Josh, Dana, and all of you, as I sail off into the sunset.”
Although Iger steps down as CEO, he will continue as an adviser and board member until the end of 2026. His immediate future remains somewhat uncertain, although he and his wife, Willow Bay, recently became majority owners of Angel City FC, a women’s professional soccer team.
Prior to Iger’s remarks, a video montage celebrated his achievements, featuring notable moments from his tenure, including a clip from his early career as a TV weather reporter in Ithaca, New York. Iger’s reflections captured over seventy of his 74 years dedicated to Disney.
"I never dreamed I would end up as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, and I certainly never expected to step into the role a second time," Iger acknowledged. "But once I did, I was quickly reminded of the tremendous responsibility that being entrusted with something very special bears."
He highlighted the challenges faced during his tenure, particularly in recent years, and expressed gratitude for the passionate individuals dedicated to the company.
Before Iger’s speech, Gorman conveyed "deep gratitude" for Iger’s leadership, noting his success in positioning Disney for future growth. A video concluded with a memorable exchange between Iger and Oprah Winfrey from a 2019 interview, where he advised, "Enjoy what you do. Love what you do, because you won’t do it well unless you do."
