Robert Iger
Robert Iger: A Visionary Leader in Entertainment
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert Allen Iger is the former Chairman of The Walt Disney Company, serving from 2005 to 2020.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 1, 1955, in New York City, USA. He is still alive as of this writing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, media executive, and businessman. Iger's career spans over four decades in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Queens, New York, Robert Iger developed an early interest in television and journalism. After graduating from Joseph Kornfeld High School (now known as Hillcrest High School), he attended Oswego State University on a full scholarship. However, due to financial constraints, he transferred to the State University of New York at Oswego, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in communications.
Major Accomplishments
Iger began his career at ABC News in 1972 as an intern and worked his way up through various positions, including president of ABC News. He joined The Walt Disney Company in 1994 as President and COO before becoming CEO in 2005. Under his leadership, Disney expanded its reach through strategic acquisitions, including Pixar Animation Studios (2006), Marvel Entertainment (2009), Lucasfilm Ltd. (2012), and 21st Century Fox's film and television assets (2019). He successfully navigated the company through periods of significant change, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable achievements during Iger's tenure include:
Developing the Disney brand into one of the world's most recognizable entertainment companies.
Expanding Disney's media presence through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.
Investing heavily in digital media and streaming services, including the launch of Disney+ in 2019.
Overseeing significant investments in new technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
Impact and Legacy
Iger's leadership transformed The Walt Disney Company into a global entertainment powerhouse. His vision for innovation, creativity, and strategic growth paved the way for future success. Under his stewardship, Disney:
Expanded its global reach through international expansion of theme parks, resorts, and media operations.
Developed successful franchises such as Marvel's Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Star Wars: The Mandalorian.
Became a leader in streaming services with Disney+, which quickly became one of the most popular platforms globally.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert Iger is widely quoted for his insights on leadership, innovation, and strategic growth. He has become synonymous with visionary leadership and his ability to shape the future of entertainment. His quotes often emphasize:
The importance of taking calculated risks and embracing change.
The need to invest in emerging technologies and innovative storytelling platforms.
The value of prioritizing creativity, diversity, and inclusion within organizations.
Through his work, Iger has demonstrated a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape and an unwavering commitment to innovation. His legacy continues to inspire leaders across various industries as he remains one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry today.
Quotes by Robert Iger
Robert Iger's insights on:
For the first time ever, hit primetime shows can be purchased online the day after they air on TV.
I don't think that it's out of the question that a DVD can be released in the same window as a theatrical release. I think that all the old rules should be called into question, because the rules, in terms of consumption, have changed so dramatically.
In terms of working together efficiently and synergistically, we believe we have achieved a great deal, ... But to go to the next level, we think it is important to relocate some of our employees to Los Angeles.
In order for us to even consider a park there, we need to be sure we have access to television,
Not only did he stand down and get out of the way, but he supported me all along, ... Michael has been exceptional in how he handled this transition.
The return of our NABET-represented employees and the closing of what has been a difficult period for all concerned - one that I wish could have been avoided - is a very welcome development.
It's vital for a company such as ours to be incredibly vigilant in terms of the consumer, ... Consumers today, using great technological tools, have many more choices in terms of how they spend their time, what they consume in terms of media and they do so in many different places on many different devices.
None of the issues really rose to the level of what I call a major concern in our minds, because they were either exaggerated ---- and I won't be specific ---- or they were fixable,
Steve was instrumental in the development of numerous cable and online businesses, and played key roles in the enormous success of ESPN and the successful launch of the ABC Family Channel. We appreciate all that he has done...and wish him well.