Bob Chapek the Favorite to Replace Bob Iger as Disney CEO

Just over a month ago, Bob Iger came on the record saying he definitely is planning on retiring as Disney CEO in 2019.  Immediately the speculation went crazy on who could replace Iger as Disney CEO.  One name we had on our list was current Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts Bob Chapek.  Now according to Bloomberg,  it seems like Bob Chapek is now the favorite to succeed Iger as Disney CEO 20 months from now.

Why has Bob Chapek emerged as a leading candidate?

Bob Iger has been talking about leaving Disney for years now, and he should have already been retired now for 2 years.  Disney had a succession plan in place for Iger, with Tom Skaggs being the most recent heir apparent to the company.  As Iger has continued to extend his stay as CEO, the talent in waiting like Skaggs has slowly gotten tired of waiting anymore.  Enter Bob Chapek.  While he hasn’t been on everyone’s list from the beginning, Bob Chapek can’t be ignored as he now has one of the most balanced resumes of any candidate.

Chapek is in charge of the Disney Parks and Resorts division, and has been absolutely killing it recently.  Coincidentally that has been the only division of Disney to report increased revenues and operating income.  He lead the opening of Shanghai Disneyland last year, Pandora: The World of Avatar this year, and is spearheading the new wave of Disney attractions starting with Toy Story Land next year, and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in 2019.

Chapek though has been with Disney for the last 24 years and has experience not only in Parks and Resorts but also consumer products and the studio.  This gives him an advantage over other candidates as he has a more diverse background which will serve him being under the microscope that is CEO.

Initial investor reaction to Bob Chapek as Disney CEO has been positive, with investors likely to view him as one of the safest and steady candidates for the job.  He will need that experience as Disney continues to roll out new products in this ever-changing digital media climate, including their new direct subscription media service due out in 2019.

Of course the future CEO could come from somewhere else, even outside Disney.  However sources say that Disney and Iger would rather have his successor come from within, especially since Iger is going to slowly work the next guy in and still being on hand until the transition is finished, agreeing to stay on as a consultant for 3 years after he retires.  Also Disney might not choose Chapek, there are also other internal options such as Ben Sherwood (runs Disney media group) or John Skipper (President of ESPN).  However as is stands now Chapek is the current favorite for Disney CEO, and imo it would be a great choice!  Stay tuned for more…

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Ziggy Oskwarek

My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.