Bob Iger has been named CEO of Disney in a shocking twist

CNN Business
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In a move that shocked Hollywood, Bob IgerOne of the most prominent CEOs in history The Walt Disney Companyback to running the media empire again.

Bob Chapek, who replaced Iger in 2020 as CEO, is stepping down immediately.

“We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over the course of his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” Disney Chairman Susan Arnold said in a statement Sunday evening. “The Board of Directors concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely positioned to lead the company through this pivotal period.”

Investors cheered the news, sending Disney shares up 9% in pre-market trading. As of Friday’s close, the stock is It has lost nearly 40% of its value this year.

The announcement, while a surprise to the media industry, comes at a time of great development for Disney. The company graduated from a Poor earnings report that showed growth for broadcast endeavours. However, this came at a great cost. Disney broadcast business lost $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter. The report sent Disney stocks down after a year of sluggish to poor performance.

Tangled led Disney through the pandemic, one of the most turbulent periods in the company’s nearly 100-year history, but ultimately Disney decided its future was in better hands with Iger.

Outside of the pandemic, Chapek had a short but wagon stint as Disney’s president. Chapek, who served as president of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products before taking over as Egger, found himself dealing With payment related issues with Scarlett Johanssonone of the company’s biggest stars, in addition to Disney’s battles with Florida and its employees, regarding controversial state bill Restricting certain LGBTQ topics in the classroom.

Iger has almost legendary status as Disney’s captain

(dis). He spent 15 years as CEO and was instrumental in acquiring major brands like Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm, home of Star Wars. Iger also finalized a $71 billion deal to buy most of 21st Century Fox and launched the streaming revolution at Disney

(dis) with the Disney creation

(dis)+ in November 2019.

He stayed on as CEO directing the company’s creative efforts, then officially left the company — after nearly 50 years — at the end of last year.

Disney said Sunday that Iger has agreed to serve as CEO for two years with “a mandate from the board of directors to set strategic direction for renewed growth and work closely with the board in developing a successor to lead the company upon completion of his term.”

This move is also surprising since entanglement Just renewed his contract. The company’s board of directors voted unanimously to extend Chapek’s contract as CEO for another three years, the company said in June. Chapek’s new contract began in July and was scheduled to run through 2025.

Also, Iger appears to have retired due to his legacy as one of Disney’s most prominent and successful executives. Now, he’s back.

“I am extremely optimistic about the future of this great company and I am delighted that the Board of Directors has asked me to return as its CEO,” Iger said in a statement Sunday. “Disney and its unparalleled brands and franchises hold a special place in the hearts of so many people around the world — and especially in the hearts of our employees, whose dedication to this company and its mission is an inspiration.”

Egger added that he was “deeply honored to be asked to lead this incredible team once again, with a clear mission focused on creative excellence to inspire generations through unparalleled, bold storytelling.”