Bob Chapek Named Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company: https://t.co/xFo0sOkgd7 pic.twitter.com/UEfko17bTh
— Walt Disney Company (@WaltDisneyCo) February 25, 2020
Disney CEO Robert “Bob” Iger is leaving his position after leading the company for 15 years.
In a release, The Walt Disney Company started the new role that will be filled by Bob Chapek, previous Chairman for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
Chapek worked closely with Iger for the development of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, as more blockbuster franchises transitioned in the acquisition of Marvel and 20th Century Fox.
The company also stated Chapek served as president for consumer products before moving onto distribution for home movie releases.
His experience with Disneyland parks included international openings in China and other resorts “in the U.S., Europe and Asia.” But Iger’s time as the company’s seventh CEO isn’t officially over until 2022 when his contract ends. Until then, he continues managing Disney’s major projects as Executive Chairman.
According to IGN, Iger planned to retire in 2018 until the Board of Directors extended his time for managing the full takeover of Fox and putting Disney+ into service.