Bob Iger

Former CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Former President & COO of Capital Cities/ABC & Named Businessperson of the Year by Time Magazine

Bob Iger’s Biography:

Bob Iger is one of the most influential business leaders in modern corporate history, best known for serving as CEO of The Walt Disney Company for 15 years and transforming the organisation into a global entertainment powerhouse. During his leadership, Bob spearheaded some of the most significant acquisitions in media history, including Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox. These strategic moves reshaped the entertainment landscape, expanded Disney’s global reach and established the company as a dominant force across film, television and streaming. As a keynote speaker, Bob shares invaluable lessons on leadership, innovation, business transformation and navigating disruption in highly competitive markets.

Bob began his career in 1974 at the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), where he steadily rose through the ranks thanks to his strong leadership abilities and strategic vision. He became Head of ABC Entertainment before being appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Capital Cities/ABC in 1994. Following Disney’s acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC, Bob continued to take on increasingly senior responsibilities, eventually becoming President of Walt Disney International and later Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company in 2000. His extensive experience across broadcasting, international operations and corporate management laid the foundation for his appointment as CEO in 2005.

Throughout his career, Bob has received widespread recognition for his achievements. In 2014, he was honoured with The Milestone Award from the Producers Guild of America for his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. In 2019, he was named Businessperson of the Year by Time magazine and ranked 25th on Forbes’ list of the World’s Most Innovative Leaders. That same year, he published his bestselling memoir, ‘The Ride of a Lifetime’, offering insights into leadership, decision-making and business growth.

Beyond his corporate success, Bob is widely respected for his forward-thinking approach to innovation, brand development and organisational culture. His leadership helped guide Disney through significant technological shifts, including the rise of digital media and streaming services. Drawing on decades of executive experience, he offers audiences practical insights into managing change, building high-performing organisations and creating long-term business value in an evolving global marketplace.

Why Hire Bob Iger?

Bob delivers a compelling perspective on leadership, innovation and strategic decision-making drawn from decades at the highest level of global business. Audiences gain first-hand insights into leading large-scale transformations, navigating uncertainty and fostering creativity within complex organisations. Combining engaging storytelling with practical business lessons, Bob shares the principles behind building enduring brands and sustaining growth through change. His experience leading one of the world’s most recognised companies makes him a highly sought-after speaker for corporate events, leadership conferences, executive forums and organisations seeking inspiration on vision, culture and long-term success.

Bob Iger‘s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Bob Iger’s remarkable career:

• 2019 – Named Businessperson of the Year by Time magazine in recognition of his impact on global business and leadership.
• 2019 – Ranked 25th on Forbes’ list of the World’s Most Innovative Leaders.
• 2019 – Published ‘The Ride of a Lifetime’, sharing lessons from his career leading one of the world’s largest entertainment companies.
• 2014 – Received The Milestone Award from the Producers Guild of America for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
• 2012 – Led Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, bringing the Star Wars franchise into the company’s portfolio.
• 2009 – Oversaw Disney’s acquisition of Marvel Entertainment, significantly expanding the company’s intellectual property assets.
• 2006 – Spearheaded Disney’s acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios, strengthening the company’s creative and animation capabilities.
• 2005 – Appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company.
• 2000 – Became Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company after leading Walt Disney International.
• 1994 – Appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Capital Cities/ABC Inc., formerly ABC Television.