His full name is Robert Iger, and he is the Professional CEO of Walt Disney. He was born in New York City in a Jewish family. His parents were both job holders, i.e. his mother was a Boardman in junior high school in New York City, and his father was a retired World War Navy veteran. Company Greenvale Marketing Corporation, he held the post of general manager and also was vice-president of that company. He completed his graduation from Oceanside High School, where he grew up, in 1969.
He also pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Television and Radio at Ithaca College. He took his first step towards his career in the year 1972 as a host of the television show which was Campus Probe, Which was his college show.
He also wished to become a news anchor, which he fulfilled by working in his college Ithaca for five months. After the small work in the show, he then took a big step towards a big company, i.e. American Broadcasting Company (ABC), in 1974. He was appointed as menial labor on television sets.
After some years, he got promoted to senior program executive for the Calgary Winter Olympics. The event explains the weather and delayed events. His work was appreciated by getting the highest ratings for ABC, catching the attention of ABC executives, and being awarded to Iger for his performance in ABC.
After his excellent performances; he was named head of ABC Entertainment in 1989; The show includes Twin Peaks, American’s Funniest Home Videos, and Cop Rock. He got many promotions by the company as president (1993-1994), capital cities senior vice president(March 1993), and executive vice president (July 1993).
Also Read: Uncertainty Surrounds Disney’s TV Networks: Bob Iger’s Recent Comments Raise Questions
Bob Iger: A Trailblazing Journey of Leadership in Entertainment
Walt Disney is the highest milestone of the past, present, and future. That company took command over ABC and gave it the name that is ABC, INC, but Iger’s post remained as it was, i.e. Chairman in 1995. It was a pleasant moment for Iger and his family when he was elected as president of Walt Disney International on February 25, 1999. As the Conflict between the heads about the post, Disney took a harsh decision to appoint Iger as president and chief operating officer (COO) on January 24, 2005.
He was Disney’s 2nd executive under CEO and Chairman Micheal Eisner. Again the Conflict arises due to the Ceo, i.e. because of Eisner. In 2005, the board members arranged a meeting and held a campaign against Eisner, Named “Save Disney” against Eisner. This led to the search for the next CEO, who could replace Eisner. After discussion, the board members suggested the name of Iger as the CEO in place of Eisner.
Therefore, he resigned on September 30, 2005. Then the company dropped the campaign and began to work with the new CEO, Iger. Then the central Conflict begins for assigning and reassigning the members. And from that, Iger’s name was replaced by “BOB” rather than “Robert”.
CEO’s Personal Commitment: Industry Labor Disputes
Bob Iger was also involved in politics and had significant roles in the ruling party. On July 25, 2023, Hollywood actor strikes for not increasing the contract and high payment. Therefore SAG-AFTRA and WGA writers held a strike and refused to work with the company as the company leader Iger decided to personally commit to the actors to find the solution, as the actor’s strike went to the 100th day without any explanation.
Iger stated in his last talk that it would not be realistic to fulfill their demands. Nowadays, days Artificial Intelligence has a scope that can replace creatives. This reason has fear in the union members.
Leadership in Times of Crisis: WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strikes
Iger very politely said that “Creatives are more important to the company than any other relationship” in the discussion on Wednesday. After conducting the meeting with the board members, Iger directly talked to the union members by denying the demands of the SAG-AFTRA actors for a labor contract with higher pay and limitations on the use of AI is not correct.
Also Read: Bob Iger’s Unconventional Move: Disney’s Empire Builder Now Holds a Yard Sale
