Bob Iger is leaving Disney months before his contract officially expires, sparking curiosity about his unexpected decision. Iger served as Disney’s president in 2000 before becoming CEO in 2005, succeeding Michael Eisner and holding the role until 2020. After retiring the following year, he was called back by the company’s board to reassume the CEO position after Bob Chapek was fired.
With a new CEO set to take over in March 2026, many are now wondering why Iger is stepping down so early.
Why Bob Iger is leaving Disney’s CEO post
Disney Board Chairman James Gorman told CNBC that Iger’s return to the company in 2022 came with two major goals. One was to improve Disney’s strategic and financial position, and another was to grow talent and leadership that benefits its long-term growth. Now that he has achieved his major objectives, Iger intends to step down, allowing new leadership to take over and guide the company in a productive direction.
Iger’s CEO run ends on March 18, with CEO Josh D’Amaro and soon-to-be president and CCO Dana Walden carrying forward the leadership. He is set to leave the post nine months before his contract expires to ensure D’Amaro and Walden ease into their roles. Despite the early resignation, Iger will continue to remain a board member and strategic advisor until the end of the year (via Business Insider).
In a press release, Iger addressed the shift in leadership while revealing what makes D’Amaro a fit to be his successor. He said, “Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO.”
Iger continued, “He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects. His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary, and I am thrilled for Josh and the company.”
D’Amaro joined Walt Disney in 1998 and has held various leadership roles over his 27-year tenure, including President of Walt Disney World Resort, President of Disneyland Park, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and CFO of Disney Consumer Products Licensing. In 2020, he was named Chairman of Disney Experiences.
