Disney’s Big Hand‑Off: What Comes Next for Bob Iger

Bob Iger will leave the Disney CEO role on Wednesday, handing it to Josh D’Amaro. The move ends a long tenure that began in 2005, paused for two years, and resumed in 2022. Iger’s return saw him tackle tough issues: the rise of artificial intelligence, labor strikes, and a wave of layoffs across the media world. Despite those challenges, he pushed Disney toward profitability through its streaming service, revived the film studio’s output, planned a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, and teamed up with tech firms like OpenAI and Epic Games. Before his second stint, Iger was famous for buying Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm. Those deals turned Disney into a powerhouse of popular stories and drew fans worldwide. He was also known for his magnetic leadership style, which let him win over investors and Hollywood talent alike. Yet not all of his moves were smooth. Projects like Maker Studios, Club Penguin, and the $71‑billion Fox acquisition had mixed results. The Fox deal gave Disney key IPs such as “Avatar” and “The Simpsons, ” but it also created financial strain and a complex integration process.After stepping down, Iger will stay on Disney’s board until the end of 2026 and serve as a special adviser. When he isn’t giving corporate counsel, he plans to enjoy quieter moments, spend time on his new superyacht Aquarius, and focus on the women’s soccer team Angel City FC, which he and his wife Willow Bay helped buy for $250 million. He has said he will be “available on call” if anyone at Disney needs advice. Iger’s future outside the company is still unclear. He might act as a consultant, speaker, or even a mediator in industry disputes. Some say he could return to the business world as a venture partner, given his past investments in tech and entertainment. Others think he will simply enjoy retirement while staying connected to Disney through board duties. The transition also raises questions about how the next CEO will handle new technologies, especially AI. D’Amaro has a tech background and may build on Iger’s initiatives to blend entertainment with innovation. The way Disney navigates these changes will influence the company’s legacy and Iger’s own post‑Disney story.