Robert Allen Iger is an iconic figure in the world of American business. He is currently the CEO of The Walt Disney Company and is renowned for his leadership and vision. As the head of one of the largest media conglomerates in the world, Iger has helped shape the entertainment landscape as we know it. Through strategic acquisitions and savvy business decisions, Iger has led Disney to unprecedented success. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the life and accomplishments of Robert Allen Iger. The American Businessman Who Runs Disney: Robert Allen Iger The American Businessman Who Runs Disney: Robert Allen Iger
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert Allen Iger was born on February 10th, 1951 in Oceanside, New York. . His father worked as a public relations executive for the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Ithaca College where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Television and Radio in 1973.
During his college years, Iger began working part-time at ABC in New York City as a studio supervisor for its news program. After college, he was hired as a full-time employee at ABC and served in various roles during the next few years. In 1976, he was named Director of Programming for ABC’s owned-and-operated station in Los Angeles, California. In that role, he helped turn around the ratings of the station. After several promotions, he eventually became President and CEO of ABC Television Network in 1994. In 1999, he became President of Disney’s worldwide television operations and was later promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of the Walt Disney Company in 2000. He was appointed CEO in 2005 and has been serving in that capacity ever since. The American Businessman Who Runs Disney: Robert Allen Iger
Career
Robert Allen Iger began his career at ABC in 1974 as a studio supervisor. He then held various executive positions including the role of president and chief operating officer for Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. In 1999, Disney acquired Capital Cities/ABC and Iger was named president of Walt Disney International.
In 2000, Iger was promoted to chairman and CEO of Disney’s Touchstone Pictures and eventually to chairman of Walt Disney International in 2004. Following the retirement of Michael Eisner in 2005, Iger became president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. He was officially appointed chairman and CEO in 2012.
During Iger’s tenure as CEO, Disney has acquired several entertainment companies including Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm Ltd., and 21st Century Fox. Iger has also established long-term partnerships with Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Hulu. Additionally, he has overseen the development of Shanghai Disneyland and is currently focused on the expansion of Disney’s streaming services.
Personal Life
Robert Allen Iger is a married man. He has been married to Willow Bay, a former TV journalist and author, since 1995. They have two children together, daughter Kate and son William.
Iger has a passion for golf and can often be found playing the sport in his free time. He also enjoys travel and exploring different cultures around the world.
Iger is a longtime supporter of the Democratic party and its causes. He has donated millions of dollars over the years to their campaigns, as well as other charities.
Iger was diagnosed with melanoma in 2019, but after having surgery to remove it, he has been given the all-clear by doctors. He has since become an advocate for early detection of cancer and regularly raises awareness about the importance of self-care.
Iger currently resides in California with his family.
Philanthropy
Iger was named an honorary trustee of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He has also served as a trustee of the American Film Institute since 2017. Additionally, he is a member of the Library of Congress National Recording Preservation Board and serves on the board of directors of The Sun Valley Forum, a nonprofit organization focused on driving progress and collaboration across industries. Iger is a founding member of the Ad Council and has been a vocal supporter of the organization since its inception.
Awards and Recognition
Robert Allen Iger has achieved a number of accolades throughout his career. In 2009, he was honored with the Humanitarian Award by the Simon Wiesenthal Center. He has also received the International Emmy Directorate Award and the David Sarnoff Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in 2017. In 2018, he was awarded the Life Achievement Award from the Producers Guild of America.
In addition to these awards, Robert Allen Iger has received a number of honorary degrees from different universities around the world, including Harvard University, The Juilliard School, Syracuse University, Northeastern University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and the University of Southern California. He was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2010 and named a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in 2017.
In 2018, Time magazine included him on their list of the 100 most influential people in the world. He has also been featured on Fortune’s Most Powerful People list multiple times, most recently in 2019.
Robert Allen Iger is a well-respected media executive and his accomplishments have been recognized throughout the industry. He continues to make an impact through his leadership at Disney and his philanthropic efforts.