Bob Iger Addresses Disney Employees on His Return as CEO

The Walt Disney Company just announced that Bob Iger would be returning to his role as Chief Executive Officer, ousting his successor Bob Chapek in a move that has stunned Disney Adults and Cast Members alike.

In the wake of this news, Iger took time to address Disney employees directly via email, and Disney Fanatic has acquired that statement.

After serving as leader of the Mouse House for nearly 15 years, Iger suddenly stepped down from his role in early 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic was spreading across the world and was about to jump into unprecedented Theme Park and Studio closures. He appointed Bob Chapek in a rather abrupt manner, and, after stepping down as Executive Chairman, Iger appeared adamant about not returning to Disney. Something appears to have changed his mind.

His statement to Cast Members and Employees is copied below:

Dear Fellow Employees and Cast Members,

It is with an incredible sense of gratitude and humility—and, I must admit, a bit of amazement—that I write to you this evening with the news that I am returning to The Walt Disney Company as Chief Executive Officer.

When I look at the creative success of our teams across our Studios, Disney General Entertainment, ESPN and International, the rapid growth of our streaming services, the phenomenal reimagining and rebound of our Parks, the continued great work of ABC News, and so many other achievements across our businesses, I am in awe of your accomplishments and I am excited to embark with you on many new endeavors.

I know this company has asked so much of you during the past three years, and these times certainly remain quite challenging, but as you have heard me say before, I am an optimist, and if I learned one thing from my years at Disney, it is that even in the face of uncertainty—perhaps especially in the face of uncertainty—our employees and Cast Members achieve the impossible.

You will be hearing more from me and your leaders tomorrow and in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, allow me to express my deep gratitude for all that you do. Disney holds a special place in the hearts of people around the globe thanks to you, and your dedication to this company and its mission to bring joy to people through great storytelling is an inspiration to me every single day.

Bob Iger

Related: Bob Iger Named Knight of British Empire by Late Queen Elizabeth II

There appears to be no word yet from Bob Chapek at the time of this article’s publication.

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to stay on top of this story, and we will update our readers as more developments come to light.