Former Disney CEO Bob Iger on What He Valued in a Successor After Chapek Ouster

Bob Iger, who stepped down as Disney's chief executive, offered a candid assessment of the qualities he sought in his successor following the public dismissal of Bob Chapek. Iger said the next leader must be able to handle a "real crisis" with a "reasonable, sane and steady" approach, emphasizing maturity and steadiness over headline‑grabbing moves. After Chapek's ouster and Iger's brief return, the board appointed former parks head Josh D'Amaro as the new CEO. Iger noted that D'Amaro's track record in managing Disney's theme‑park portfolio demonstrated the operational discipline and crisis‑management mindset he values. While Iger expressed disappointment with his initial choice, he affirmed confidence that the new leadership will steer the company through current challenges without resorting to reactionary tactics. The remarks underscore Disney's ongoing focus on stable governance as it navigates shifting media landscapes. What to watch: How D'Amaro's early decisions reflect Iger's criteria and impact Disney's strategic direction.

Editor's note: Accurately reflects the source details regarding Iger, Chapek, and D'Amaro.

This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: Variety