Bob Iger Returns To the Disney Upfronts For the First Time in 30 Years
Disney CEO Bob Iger returned to the company’s upfront presentation for the first time in 30 years today to promote Disney’s upcoming releases and lay out its vision for the future.
“I am deeply optimistic about our company, and in a world that is so in need of entertainment is a true privilege,” Iger began. “To run a company that is the embodiment of creative excellence, of great and bold storytelling, of quality, and of innovation.”
![Bob Iger](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/240403-Bob-Iger-ew-412p-5d1ef7.webp)
![Bob Iger](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/240403-Bob-Iger-ew-412p-5d1ef7.webp)
NBC News
The last time Iger attended a Disney upfront presentation, he was in charge of ABC Entertainment, and Michael Eisner was leading The Walt Disney Company.
“To say a lot has changed since 1994 would be an incredible understatement and I’m not just talking about the color of my hair, or my fashion choices,” Iger quipped as an old picture appeared on screen.
Iger Shares His Vision of Disney’s Future
In the last few months, Iger has defeated Nelson Peltz in a proxy battle, neared profitability in streaming, and beat Wall Street expectations with Disney’s latest earnings report. Needless to say, Iger was riding high during today’s events.
“As you might imagine being here today has led me to ponder all that has transpired since then, and the radical changes that have transformed our business over the last three decades,” he noted. “For instance, television used to be something you watched on a television.”
![Disney+](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Disney-Pauline-1024x681.jpg)
![Disney+](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Disney-Pauline-1024x681.jpg)
(Photo Illustration by Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Against the backdrop of an ever-changing media landscape, Iger told the audience of advertisers that Disney is in a unique position to succeed.
![Bob Iger](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/iger-view-01-abc-jt-190923_hpMain_4x3t_992.jpg)
![Bob Iger](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/iger-view-01-abc-jt-190923_hpMain_4x3t_992.jpg)
Heidi Gutman/Walt Disney Television
“Now while the whole business model and the way people consume media are drastically different, what hasn’t changed is the fact that success in this industry is really predicated on one thing, and that is telling great stories,” Iger said.
“And great storytelling is something Disney has always excelled in that we have an array of outstanding creative engines, producing world-class talent.”
Iger Was Joined By Senior Executives
Joining Iger at the event were members of his senior leadership team, many of whom are considered strong candidates to eventually succeed Iger as CEO.
![D23 Josh](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/165188_CS1_4463-1024x683.jpg)
![D23 Josh](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/165188_CS1_4463-1024x683.jpg)
Photo: The Walt Disney Company. Josh D’Amaro (Chairman; Disney Parks, Experiences and Products)
“And I’m grateful to be joined today by members of my senior leadership team, including Disney entertainment co-chairs Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, and Disney experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro,” Iger said.
Following today’s appearance, Iger will speak tomorrow at the MoffettNathanson Media and Communications Summit.
![Dana Walden and Alan Bergman](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Dana-Walden-and-Alan-Bregman-Headshots-Split-Publicity-H-2023-1024x577.webp)
![Dana Walden and Alan Bergman](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Dana-Walden-and-Alan-Bregman-Headshots-Split-Publicity-H-2023-1024x577.webp)
Photo: Disney
So, be sure to check back with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update you on all the news coming out of The Walt Disney Company.