Disney Extends CEO Bob Iger’s Contract

The Walt Disney Co. board of directors announced today that it has extended Robert A. Iger’s tenure as CEO and chairman through the expiration of his contract on June 30, 2016, under his existing contractual terms as CEO.

“For nearly eight years as chief executive officer, Bob Iger has proven he has the unique ability to drive creative and financial success at the world’s preeminent entertainment company,” said Orin C. Smith, independent lead director of the Disney board. “Disney has hit new heights during Mr. Iger’s tenure, with total shareholder return of 193% that dramatically exceeds the S&P 500s 54%, and a market capitalization that has risen to $113.7 billion from $48.4 billion when he became CEO in 2005. Mr. Iger’s ability to consistently deliver against a strategy of producing high-quality branded content, technological innovation and international expansion has repeatedly resulted in record revenue, net income, and earnings per share for the company.”

Smith continued: “Given his outstanding leadership, and to provide continuity of Disney’s corporate strategy to create long-term value for shareholders, the board has asked Mr. Iger to remain CEO and chairman until the expiration of his contract on June 30, 2016, under his existing annual compensation terms as CEO, under which 92% of his pay was performance-based in fiscal 2012.

“Originally, Mr. Iger was to have relinquished his CEO position and transitioned to the role of executive chairman on April 1, 2015, for 15 months. Now, Disney will continue to have the full benefit of Mr. Iger’s leadership as CEO and chairman for the duration of his tenure. The board remains focused on effective succession planning, and will continue to develop a sound and appropriate process for ensuring a smooth management transition.” 

“I sincerely appreciate this vote of confidence by the Board of Directors, and will continue to work with our talented and dedicated management team to drive creative excellence, innovation and continued growth,” Iger said.

Iger, 62, was named chief executive on Sept. 30, 2005.