“He’s Teflon”: How One Studio Insider Describes Disney CEO Bob Iger

In November, the Walt Disney Company underwent a MAJOR shake-up.

It was announced that current CEO Bob Iger would be stepping down, and replaced by his predecessor, Bob Iger. Since then, we’ve learned a ton more information about all the proceedings that went down to make the switchover happen. Along with those, we have gotten a closer look at Bob Iger’s present — and his past.

In a new article for Deadline, several studio insiders weighed in on Bob Iger’s past, present, and future. One agency captain noted that “Iger gets a lot of praise as an executive, a lot of it well deserved.” They continued with, “But one of his greatest accomplishments may be sidestepping his missteps. The billions in debt that came with the Fox purchase, going all in on streaming, hemorrhaging TV and ESPN viewership, and the succession fiascos alone would have killed any other CEO.”

In early 2020, Chapek officially took on the job of CEO for the Walt Disney Company, taking over after Iger’s reign. He came on at a trying time for the company, as the Disney parks were forced to go through a months-long closure due to the pandemic.

During Iger’s time at the company, he made some major decisions, including the Fox purchase, as well as the start of Disney+. Despite making some “missteps”, as they were referred to by insiders, one insider spoke to Deadline stating that Iger is “teflon like Reagan, but left a lot of mess over the years for others to clean up like (Bill) Clinton.”

However, while several insiders had harsh words for Iger, others spoke of his popularity, and the skills he brings to the table that brought him back to the Walt Disney Company. Another insider told Deadline, “Not only do you feel he hears you but that he will both protect you and your vision.”

This was on full display when Iger hosted a town hall last month, where he spoke to the future of the Walt Disney Company, as well as commenting on Chapek-era installation such as the Park Pass reservation system.

About one month in to the Iger-era (part deux), we’ll still have to wait and see exactly what this former, and now present, CEO will bring to the Walt Disney Company.

For even more on Bob Iger, check out our recent posts below:

• Why History Says Bob Iger Will Fail
• There’s “Never Been a Better Time to Be a Disney Fan” According to Disney CEO Bob Iger
• What Bob Iger Can Do that Bob Chapek Couldn’t
• Is Bob Iger Returning to Disney a Good Thing? What Experts Are Saying.
• Easy Ways Bob Iger Could Win Over Disney Fans

What do you hope to see from Bob Iger as CEO? Let us know in the comments.