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Chapek replaces Iger as CEO of The Walt Disney Company

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Bob Chapek and Bob Iger stand by the Millenium Falcon at Disney park

Robert Iger announced on Tuesday 25 February that he will step down as CEO effective immediately. He is replaced by Bob Chapek, who was Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

Robert Iger, who held the position since 2005, will take on the role of Executive Chairman. During his time as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, he oversaw key acquisitions such as Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Entertainment and Lucasfilm.

In a statement, Mr Iger said that since the successful launch of Disney+ and with the acquisition of Fox underway, he is choosing to “continue to focus on the Company’s creative endeavours”. He will lead the Board and provide guidance to ensure a smooth transition until the end of 2021 when his contract ends.

Independent Lead Director of the Disney Board, Susan Arnold, praised Robert Iger’s time as CEO. She said that “Disney has reached unparalleled financial and creative heights thanks to Mr Iger’s strong leadership and clear strategic vision”.

Blooloop named Robert Iger as one of our Power 10 in our 2019 Theme Park Influencer List. Under Iger, the company expanded both its IP and theme parks.

Bob Chapek becomes Disney CEO

Bob Chapek previously served as Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts from 2015. Then in 2018, he became Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. This segment of the company includes Disney resorts, cruise lines, merchandise, Disney stores and more. In this role, he supervised operations around the world, which encompassed more than 170,000 employees worldwide.

Whilst working in the Parks and Resorts department, Bob Chapek oversaw the opening of the Shanghai Disney Resort and the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The Disney Cruise line also expanded under his leadership with an additional three ships.

As CEO, Bob Chapek will now oversee the company’s business segments and corporate functions. He will be appointed to the Board later and will report to Robert Iger until he leaves in 2021.

Bob Chapek said that he is “incredibly honoured and humbled to assume the role of CEO of what I truly believe is the greatest company in the world”. Susan Arnold said that the Board “unanimously elected Bob Chapek” and believes that he is “the perfect choice as the next CEO”.

Bob Chapek was one of Blooloop’s Top 50 on our Theme Park Influencer List 2019 thanks to his expansion of the Disney theme parks, cruise line and global consumer products.

His replacement as Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will be announced at a later date.

Walt Disney World recently announced the launch of MADE, its latest retailtainment technology offering, that allows guests to personalise apparel.

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Alice Sarsfield-Hall

Alice is business development manager and looks after blooloop’s clients, new business and events. She studied English Literature and French at the University of Leeds. A Disney and Harry Potter geek, you can usually find her reading, baking or at a museum.

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