Iger back on top in a Disney plot twist that few saw coming

Bob Iger will succeed his handpicked successor, CEO Bob Chapek, whose two-year tenure has been marked by conflicts, gaffes, and a deteriorating financial performance. Bob Iger is the enterprising entertainment executive who brought Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel under the Disney marquee and challenged Netflix’s streaming hegemony.

Two weeks prior, Disney’s quarterly financial performance, a rare occurrence, fell far short of Wall Street estimates on both profit and revenue, sending shares down 12%. The Walt Disney Co. shares have decreased 40% so far this year.

At the opening bell on Monday, the company’s stock increased 8% as Iger’s appointment took effect right away.

Iger, 71, announced his return to The Walt Disney Company as CEO in an email to staff members, writing, “It is with an extraordinary sense of gratitude and humility—and, I must say, a touch of amazement—that I write to you this evening.

Reports that Iger was first approached by board members about a potential comeback on Friday sparked the uproar at Disney immediately.

After serving as executive chairman for two years, Iger finally left Disney near the conclusion of the previous year, guiding Chapek and ensuring a peaceful transfer.