Who will take the reigns of the Walt Disney Company after Bob Iger steps down is a question for another day. Current Disney CEO Bob Iger’s contract has been extended until July 2, 2019.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Iger’s terms will remain largely unchanged save for a few provisions. Iger was originally supposed to step down in 2015, but there has apparently been difficulty finding a successor that could keep up the momentum that Disney has seen under Iger’s watch.
Former Disney COO Tom Staggs was long considered the obvious choice, but his abrupt departure last year put a wrench into whatever plans there may have been.
Another contender may be current Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, which could bring some much needed digital expertise to the table.
She has sat on the board since 2009 and, according to some, previously made it known she was up for such a role that will likely never open up at Mark Zuckerberg’s company. While she is seen as lacking traditional Hollywood experience, she is savvy in digital media, which could be crucial as Disney continues to navigate the digital era and challenges to the traditional pay TV business.
Whoever Iger’s successor will be, they’ll have big shoes to fill. On his watch Disney has grown tremendously, acquiring Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm which has led the company to becoming the movie-making behemoth that it is today.
Iger succeeded Michael Eisner in 2005.
[Photo: Fortune]
I personally would never visit any of the Disney amusement parks. I find it sad that Disney is associated with ABC and especially The View which is the worst garbage on tv to date. What happened when Disney was a happy place for families but now has no morals or values..sad..very sad