Robert A. Iger is a name that resonates with excellence and success in the world of entertainment and media. With a career spanning several decades, he has made an indelible mark on The Walt Disney Company and the industry as a whole. Known for his strategic vision, innovative thinking, and exceptional leadership, Iger has consistently pushed the boundaries and transformed Disney into a global powerhouse.
Born on February 10, 1951, in New York City, Iger began his career in 1974 at ABC, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company. Over the years, his dedication and talent propelled him through the ranks, and in 1996 he became Chairman of the Disney-owned ABC Group. In this position, he oversaw various aspects of the television business, including news, sports, and entertainment. Notably, he also played a pivotal role in the merger between Capital Cities/ABC and Disney.
In 2000, Iger was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Disney, setting the stage for his ascent to the top. In October 2005, he assumed the role of CEO, followed by his election as Chairman in 2012. During his initial tenure as CEO, Iger spearheaded a series of transformative acquisitions that reshaped the Disney brand. The acquisitions of Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox not only expanded Disney's portfolio, but also brought together some of the most iconic franchises and beloved characters in the entertainment industry.
Under Iger's leadership, Disney experienced unprecedented success. The company's commitment to producing the best creative content possible resulted in record-setting films like Marvel's Avengers: Endgame, Disney's Frozen and Frozen 2, and the groundbreaking movie Marvel's Black Panther. Moreover, Iger's forward-thinking approach led to Disney's expansion into new markets worldwide. The opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, the company's first theme park and resort in mainland China, stands as a testament to his vision and commitment to global growth.
Iger's influence extended beyond traditional media. Embracing new technology, he positioned Disney as a leader in the digital landscape. The launch of the Disney+ streaming service in November 2019 and ESPN+ in 2018 demonstrated Disney's ability to adapt and thrive in an evolving industry. These ventures not only provided new platforms for Disney's creative content, but also solidified the company's position as an industry trailblazer.
In addition to his professional achievements, Iger has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including being named TIME's Businessperson of the Year in 2019. On top of that, the entertainment executive was named one of Forbes magazine's "World's Most Powerful People" and Fortune magazine's "25 Most Powerful People in Business."
Beyond his role at Disney, Iger has been actively involved in philanthropy. He has served on the boards of various organizations, such as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Bloomberg Philanthropies. His passion for the arts and commitment to preserving their history also led him to serve as chairman of the capital campaign for the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Overall, Iger’s impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overemphasized. His tenure as CEO and Chairman of The Walt Disney Company has been marked by visionary leadership, strategic acquisitions, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
From expanding Disney's content offerings to embracing new technology, Iger's influence reshaped the company and set the stage for its continued success. Having returned to the role of CEO in 2022, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter of Iger's journey and the continued growth and innovation of The Walt Disney Company.