Bob Iger, 71, is set to return as the CEO of the biggest Hollywood conglomerate, Disney, two years after relinquishing his positing to Bob Chapek. The decision came as a surprise to many associated with the industry.

Disney reported a loss of $1.5 billion in its streaming service during the recently released quarterly earnings report, and the change in its topmost executive role might be an after-effect of this loss.

Who is Bob Iger?

Bob Iger, whose full name is Robert Allen Iger, was born on February 10, 1951. The son of Arthur Lee Iger and Mimi Iger, Bob grew up in New York City where he attended Oceanside High School. His father was a World War II veteran.

Also Read| Bob Iger returns as Walt Disney’s CEO, replacing Bob Chapek

Iger went on to attend the  Roy H. Park School of Communications in Oceanside, from where he obtained an undergraduate degree in Television and Radio.

The would-be entertainment executive started his professional career as a host of his college television talk show. After graduation, Iger joined the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), where he served in various capacities. While at ABC, Iger worked as a senior executive during the broadcast of the Calgary Winter Olympics. In 1989, he was appointed as the head of ABC Entertainment.

Iger moved on to Disney in 1995 after the latter purchased ABC. He was appointed Walt Disney International’s president in 1999. The very next year, he became the company’s chief operating officer. In 2005, he was named as the successor to then-CEO Michael Eisner.

Also Read| Taylor Swift creates history at American Music Awards 2022 with record 40 wins

It was under Iger’s leadership that Disney became Hollywood’s leading animation film producer once again. He also oversaw the company’s takeover of major production houses like Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and Pixar.

Iger announced in 2020 that he wished to retire from his role. This is when Bob Chapek was named as his successor. On November 20, 2022, it was announced that Iger is set to return to his former role and serve in the position of CEO for two years.