Former Disney Exec Shares What May Be Bob Iger’s Biggest Mistake

Disney CEO Bob Iger has a lot on his plate, to say the least.

Bob Iger

Other than the typical duties that go along with being the chief of a major media company, Iger is currently tasked with attempting to generate a profit from streaming, up park attendance and revenue, bring creativity back to the film studios, and more. This is Iger’s second time in the rings as CEO, and other execs have something to say.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) shared some insight as to the extent of the situation that Iger is currently in, as well as bringing in some other executives to share their opinion. In fact, they actually compared him to another former CEO.

©ABC

That CEO is Michael Eisner. WSJ said, “After more than a decade in which he had revived the fabled Disney brand and appeared untouchable, he lost momentum and his leadership descended into controversy and financial decline. He eventually stepped down following a shareholder rebellion.”

©Disney obtained via PRNewsWire

They then compared Iger to Eisner, stating that although Iger had things well under control with the companies finances throughout his first round as CEO, things are headed south this time. WSJ mentioned the rapidly declining TV business, which Iger is trying to remedy with streaming profits. (We already knew that streaming was Iger’s number one priority.)

Bob Iger ©Disney

What Eisner did have that Iger doesn’t, though, is clarity regarding succession. Iger still hasn’t selected someone to take over as CEO once his contract ends in 2026. Selecting a successor, training them, and switching leadership over fully in 2026 can make or break any sort of progress Iger makes over the next two years.

©CNN | Disney CEO Bob Iger

Investor and former chief financial officer of The Walt Disney Company Gary Wilson said, “Iger has systematically eliminated any executive who could become a successor. To me it’s a real black mark on Iger’s record.”

Bob Iger

WSJ reports that a lot of the potential successors left the company during Iger’s first run as CEO. Now, there aren’t very many options.

We could learn who will be replacing Iger as early as THIS year, as it could take the next year or so to actually champion that person and prepare them to take on the role as CEO. Execs have a few guesses as to who the next CEO will be, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated every step of the way, so make sure to follow along so that you never miss a thing!