‘Happiest place on earth’ gets a new chief as Disney CEO Bob Iger steps down
Micky Mouse has a new captain.
Bob Iger, the longtime chairman of the Walt Disney World Co., has stepped down in what was described as a long-planned succession. He has been replaced as chairman by Disney veteran Bob Chapek, effective immediately.
Iger, 69, will hold the role of executive chairman until the end of his contract on Dec. 31, 2021, focusing on the company’s creative endeavors, according to a Disney statement.
“With the successful launch of Disney’s direct-to-consumer businesses and the integration of 21st Century Fox well underway, I believe this is the optimal time to transition to a new CEO,” Iger said in a statement.
Disney’s Florida footprint includes four Central Florida theme parks, two water parks and Disney Cruise Line, which sails from Miami seasonally. Florida properties include Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the most visited theme park in the world, draws more than 20 million visitors annually.
This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 4:56 PM.
