Former CEO Bob Chapek Lived in “Unrelenting Fear” of Iger While at Disney

In 2022, Disney CEO Bob Chapek left the company and was replaced by former CEO Bob Iger.

The entire process caused quite a stir among Disney fans, with many wondering why the move was made and what changes would be coming next for the company. But now that Iger has been back as CEO for a while, we can step back and look at what happened.

Before Bob Iger retired, there were a few possible choices to succeed him as CEO. When Chapek was chosen, there had been past evidence of his business skills at the company. According to CNBC, “For more than two decades, Chapek earned Iger’s respect as a shrewd cost-cutter and a low-drama manager. Iger especially valued Chapek for his integrity and operational expertise. At each of the divisions Chapek led at Disney — home video, consumer products, and parks — profit and revenue soared under his watch.”

Chapek ran the home video division of Disney at a time when hits like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin were being released. He piloted consumer products around the time that Frozen was launched. Those successes (along with the work that Chapek did to help develop Shanghai Disneyland) were likely what gave Iger the confidence to recommend Chapek as his successor.

But when Chapek took over in 2020, Iger didn’t move out of his office at company headquarters. Iger stayed on as Chairman of the board to oversee the transition of CEO. He and Chapek continued to work in the same building and according to CNBC, Iger was to continue to “direct the company’s creative endeavors” during that 22-month period of transition.

CNBC also reports that Chapek confided in a friend — “his tenure at Disney was “about three years of hell,” defined by one overriding theme: his unrelenting fear that Iger wanted his job back.” Ultimately, that’s exactly what happened, with Iger taking the position back in November 2022.

Ultimately, Chapek and Iger seemed to be two different types of leaders. Iger is often known as someone who’s good with celebrities and public appearances. He’s the CEO who was able to convince Steve Jobs to sell Pixar, Ike Perlmutter to sell Marvel, and George Lucas to sell Lucasfilm and Star Wars.

Bob Iger and George Lucas Tour Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park ©Disney

Chapek, on the other hand, has been known for his financial and business record at Disney. In the past, he has been known as a “numbers guy” and his tenure as CEO involved some cost-cutting measures across the company.

Add in a pandemic along with those two differing business styles, and the situation becomes even more complicated. In the end, Iger’s back on top and he has made some major decisions in the past few months to get Disney on track financially. We’re interested to see what happens next.

Iger recently delayed his retirement again by extending his contract through 2026. At that point, he’ll need to choose a new successor. And hopefully, the transition will be smooth and straightforward for Disney.