Disney extends Iger’s tenure again

The Walt Disney Company has extended Bob Iger’s contract as CEO and executive chairman until 2019.

Bob Iger

Iger, who is now 66, took over the Mouse House in 2005 and has since overseen ambitious growth through mergers and acquisitions.

Disney acquired Pixar in 2006, Marvel in 2009, Lucasfilm and the Star Wars properties that go with it in 2012 and Maker Studios in 2015.

In 2011, Iger signed a deal that was supposed to see him remain as CEO until March 2015 before stepping down, and executive chairman until June 2016. However, that was extended again in July 2013 and has now been added to once more to 2019.

Thomas Staggs had been in line to replace Iger as CEO following his elevation to COO in 2015 but he left the company after 25 years last year, with reports citing Disney’s failure to guarantee him Iger’s job at the end of his previous contract.

In a statement announcing the most recent extension, Iger said: “Even with the incredible success the company has achieved I am confident that Disney’s best days are still ahead, and I look forward to continuing to build on our proven strategy for growth while working with the board to identify a successor as CEO and ensure a successful transition.”