Robert Alan Iger is the former Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company and currently serves as Senior Advisor and also serves as a member of Disney’s Board of Directors. During his nearly two decades at the helm of the company, Iger led Disney to unprecedented creative and business success and served as steward of the world’s most respected and beloved brands. Upon his return as CEO in 2022, Iger spearheaded a strategic transformation of the company, guiding Disney through a period of significant industry disruption and positioning it for long-term growth in this new era of entertainment.
Widely recognized as one of the world’s most consequential business leaders, Iger has built on Disney’s rich history of unforgettable storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar (2006), Marvel (2009), Lucasfilm (2012), and 21st Century Fox (2019); the landmark opening of Disney’s first theme park and resort in mainland China, Shanghai Disney Resort; and the record-breaking release of more than 30 films that have each grossed more than $1 billion at the global box office. Always one to embrace new technology, Iger made Disney an industry leader through its creative content offerings across multiple new platforms, including the launch of Disney+, the integration of Hulu on Disney+, and the launch of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service and enhanced app.
Iger was first appointed CEO of Disney in October 2005 and was elected Chairman in 2012. In February 2020, he assumed the role of Executive Chairman and directed the company’s creative endeavors until December 2021. He returned as CEO from November 2022 to March 2026. From 2000 to 2005, Iger served as Disney’s President and Chief Operating Officer. He officially joined the Disney senior management team in 1996 as Chairman of the Disney-owned ABC Group, and in 1999, was given the additional responsibility of President, Walt Disney International. In that role, Iger expanded and coordinated Disney’s presence outside of the United States, establishing the blueprint for the company’s international growth today. As Chairman of the ABC Group, Iger oversaw the broadcast television network and station group, cable television properties, and radio and publishing businesses, and also guided the complex merger between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., and The Walt Disney Company. He began his career at ABC in 1974.
During Iger’s tenure as CEO, The Walt Disney Company has been frequently recognized as one of the most influential and admired companies worldwide. Iger has also been honored for his leadership in numerous publications over two decades. In 2023, he was featured on the cover of TIME as part of its annual 100 Most Influential People issue. Additionally, he was TIME’s Businessperson of the Year (2019); one of Forbes’ “World’s Most Powerful People” (2018); one of the “Top Gun CEOs” by Forbes (2009); one of Fortune’s “25 Most Powerful People in Business” (2006, 2007) and “100 Most Powerful People in Business” (2024); one of the “Best CEOs” by Institutional Investor magazine (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011); MarketWatch's “CEO of the Year”(2006); and “CEO of the Year” by Chief Executive magazine (2014).
Iger was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in January 2020, and the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 2015. He currently serves on the boards of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Bloomberg Philanthropies. In 2012, Iger became a member of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Since 2005, Iger has been a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and served as chairman of the capital campaign for the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. From 2011-2019 he was a member of the Apple board of directors.
In September 2022, Iger was recognized as an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the UK / US relations. Iger was also awarded the Chevalier de Legion d’Honneur by the French Republic in April 2024 for his outstanding commitments and merits displayed through his professional accomplishments and public service.
Iger is the author of the New York Times best-selling book The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of The Walt Disney Company, published in 2019. In recognition of his achievements, Iger has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Ithaca College, his alma mater, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Southern California.