According to a report by Bloomberg, Bob Chapek is now viewed among “people familiar with the company” as the likely successor to Disney CEO Bob Iger when he steps down in July of 2019. During Disney’s year-end fiscal reports on November 9, 2017, theme parks and resorts, the division which Chapek leads, was the only (of four) to report increased revenues and operating income.
Iger promises that he will step down in 2019; a previous “multiyear succession process,” in which he was going to pass it down to either former Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo or (former Walt Disney Parks and Resorts) Thomas Staggs, failed in 2016.
The transition between Iger and his successor still has 19 months to shake out, and no official decision has been announced. Chapek has worked in the Disney company for 24 years in multiple divisions including parks and resorts, the film studio, and consumer products. Having this diverse background in the company is a large indication that these rumors may have some backing, because of his strong understanding of how the company operates.
Credit: Bloomberg
Image Credit: D23 Expo Press
