Disney's new CEO Bob Chapek commented on his recent promotion and the news that Bob Iger would be stepping down.
"I am incredibly honored and humbled to assume the role of CEO of what I truly believe is the greatest company in the world, and to lead our exceptionally talented and dedicated cast members and employees," Chapek said in a statement. "Bob Iger has built Disney into the most admired and successful media and entertainment company, and I have been lucky to enjoy a front-row seat as a member of his leadership team."
Chapek -- who has served as the chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products since 2018 -- was named Iger’s successor after the longtime Disney executive announced Tuesday that he’d be stepping away from the CEO role to become executive chairman of the board. Iger said that Chapek’s promotion had been in the works for “quite some time.”
"[It] was not accelerated for any particular reason other than we thought the need was now to make this change," Iger told Wall Street analysts. "I have the utmost confidence in Bob and look forward to working closely with him over the next 22 months as he assumes this new role and delves deeper into Disney’s multifaceted global businesses and operations, while I continue to focus on the Company’s creative endeavors."
(Via The Hollywood Reporter.)