The Walt Disney Firm stunned the entertainment world by announcing late Sunday that former CEO Bob Iger will return to lead the company for two years.
Disney said that Bob Chapek, who replaced Iger in 2020, has resigned.
“The Board has determined that, as Disney enters a period of increasingly complex industry upheaval, Bob Iger is well positioned to lead the Company during this critical era,” said Disney board chair Susan Arnold in a statement.
Robert Iger attends the Stella McCartney “Get Back” Capsule Collection and Peter Jackson’s “Get Back” documentary release on November 18, 2021 at The Jim Henson Company in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
Arnold commended Chapek for his contribution, notably during the “extraordinary difficulties of the epidemic.”
Iger oversaw Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, Pixar, Marvel, and Fox’s entertainment divisions, as well as the development of Disney Plus.
This month, Disney reported fiscal fourth quarter numbers that were below expectations.
Iger oversaw Disney for 15 years before to his retirement in 2020.