Bob Iger Named One of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People — Here Is What He Had To Say
Bob Iger has been named one of TIME Magazine’s Most Influential People of 2023.
In a year that saw Iger return to guide The Walt Disney Company through a turbulent period, the CEO has gotten high marks for his leadership, poise, and stability.
Photo: TIME
While Iger’s return has been heralded by Disney fans and Wall Street alike, it was not something he had ever considered.
When asked how surprised he was to return, Iger was blunt in his response.
“Very, very surprised. It’s not something I anticipated doing. But I’m certainly happy to be here,” he said.
How Did Iger’s Return Come About?
As it turns out, it was Iger’s wife Willow Bay who told the Disney honcho that if he was asked to return, he would have to.
“It was not something I was contemplating. I had been out for about a year, 11 months. The Chairman of the Board of Disney set up a call with me. When I told [my wife Willow Bay] about the call, she immediately questioned what it would be about.
“I think she actually said, ‘They’re probably not going to ask you back.’ And I said, ‘Well, what if they do?’ And she immediately responded, ‘Yes.’ I have such respect for her instinct, that when the call came and I was asked by the chairman of our board to come back, I responded, yes without any hesitation. There are certain things that I felt I needed to stipulate. But it was a quick decision.”
Photo: Natacha Rafalski on Instagram
A New Era
When Bob Iger returned to Disney, the company was in a very different place than he left it.
Having gone through a global pandemic and faced with an ever-changing media landscape, Disney was in trouble. In many ways, Disney needed Iger for his calming, stabilizing presence, just as much as it needed his business acumen. When asked, Iger noted that he knew why he was brought back.
Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
“I was brought back for a reason. The company had gone through a very difficult period, exacerbated by a global pandemic. And more than anything, the company needed stability, needed to establish a set of priorities and focus on them. The only way you end up getting to success is by deciding what the opportunities are, and then organizing your people and your company to go after them.”
Since his return, Disney has fended off a proxy battle, seen its stock turn around after a year of free-falling, and out-maneuvered Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Not bad for a man who was supposed to be enjoying retirement.
Limited Time Magic
Bob Iger however, knows that his time is limited. The CEO has agreed to return for two years, before once again passing the baton. Because of the set amount of time he has, succession is once again on his mind.
Photo: Disney
“Given the events of the last couple of years, it’s not only a priority, but will get more time, more attention, more focus than it did before. We’ve always viewed it as an important decision. But given the fact that I’m not here forever and and we had some difficulties these last couple of years, it’s getting more attention than than it has in the past.”
Photo: Disney
Once again, Disney will soon find itself in need of a new CEO. Hopefully, this time they get it right.
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