Bob Iger Returns to Presenting the Weather After Stepping Down As CEO

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via InsideTheMagic

It’s a day all Disney fans knew was coming, but now that it’s here we’re not quite ready to say goodbye.

After more than 47 years working at ABC and The Walt Disney Company, including 15 years as Disney CEO, Bob Iger is stepping down as executive chairman of the board at the end of this month.

And today, Iger returned to his weatherman roots with a fun interview on ABC!

bob iger

Bob Iger was a beloved and successful CEO at the Walt Disney Company, steering Disney through acquisitions of Lucasfilm, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and 21st Century Fox to become the giant entertainment company it is today.

Iger led Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort through the additions of Pandora – The World of Avatar, Toy Story Land, Cars Land, and of course Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. He also opened Shanghai Disneyland in 2016.

The longest-serving Disney board member, after taking over as CEO after Michael Eisner in 2005. Bob Iger’s tenure saw Disney’s annual net income increase more than 400 percent, with Disney having seven movies in 2019 selling at least $1 billion in tickets worldwide.

shanghai disneyland

Iger will be replaced as chairman of the board by longtime board member, Susan Arnold, and he recently wrote a letter to Cast Members and employees as his exit approaches.

During the interview on ABC, Bob Iger returned to his role as a weatherman, a job he first had at the age of 23 years old. Asked about his long career with ABC and Disney, Iger said:

“I’m often asked: Would I change anything? The answer’s no, it worked out just fine. I’ve had just a great experience over 47 years with ABC and Disney. I’ve loved what I’ve done, every day that I’ve come to work I’ve been happy. I’m privileged to have had the opportunity to run this great company.”

bob iger

The interview also revealed that Iger is planning to write another book, after his New York Times bestselling memoir “The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of The Walt Disney Company:

“I’m looking forward to what comes next, although I’m not 100% sure what that is. But I haven’t had a day off since 8th grade.

I am [thinking of writing another book]. I’m thinking about it. Right now, it feels like a gigantic homework assignment. But yes, I’ve been fascinated by how leaders led though the global pandemic, leading through a crisis.”

bob-iger-mickey

One of Iger’s first jobs in show business was as a weatherman before he joined ABC in 1974 – 22 years before Disney acquired the network.

And it seems the former Disney CEO has retained his weatherman skills, with KABC meteorologist Leslie Lopez asking if he would co-anchor a weather report during the interview. Iger replied: “I have not done the weather in 48 years.”

He stepped up though, and presented an informative and well-presented weather report to the Southern California area! He even quipped about this morning routine:

“Very nippy on Saturday morning by the way, 62 degrees in the Los Angeles area. 46 degrees on Saturday morning, that’s when I bike ride, I think I may have to look out for some early morning frost.”

bob iger weather abc

Bob Iger was replaced by Bob Chapek in February 2020. Since becoming the 7th CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Chapek has definitely divided Disney fans over his direction and approach to the job.

Iger is currently acting as chairman to help guide Chapek through the transitional period. Iger will be ending his Disney employment at the end of the year, and Chapek will be on his own.

During a recent annual retreat for the company’s upper management at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, Iger seemed to hint at the data-driven nature of Chapek. Iger spoke about his advice on successfully being the CEO of The Walt Disney Company and not to let data control their decision, but rather, creativity. 

disney ceo bob chapek (left) and executive chairman bob iger (right)

Chapek did not have it easy to begin with as CEO, starting just before the COVID-19 pandemic and making difficult decisions throughout this last year and a half, including budget cuts and layoffs.

A petition went viral recently trying to persuade the Walt Disney Company to fire Chapek, with the petition gaining over 80,000 signatures as of the time of writing.

The petition discusses Chapek’s focus on budget cuts and laying off over 28,000 employees through the company, as well as moving attention to Disney+, Disney’s streaming service, and away from the quality of the Disney Parks.

Bob Chapek and Bob Iger

Disney’s Bob Iger pens a farewell letter ahead of his December departure

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

He’s been described as a real class act, an innovator, a master problem-solver, a visionary, and an all-around nice guy. The Walt Disney Company enjoyed his leadership for more than 15 years as the company’s Chief Executive Officer, and it enjoyed nearly two bonus years with him serving in the capacity of Chairman of the Board for Disney.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock (10507025y) Disney CEO Robert Iger arrives at the world premiere of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”, in Los Angeles World Premiere of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” – Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 16 Dec 2019

As was announced last week, Disney’s Bob Iger will step down once and for all at the end of December, as he steps away from his final role with The Walt Disney Company–that of Chairman of the Board. He will be replaced by Susan Arnold, the first female to ever fill the position in the company’s 98-year-long history.

From Mickey Mouse to Basketball? See What Former Disney CEO Bob Iger Might Be Up to Next | the disney food blog

Iger oversaw and was instrumental in the following acquisitions while CEO of The Walt Disney Company:

  • Miramax – 1993; $60 million
  • Capital Cities/ABC/ESPN – 1995; $19 billion
  • Starwave – 1998; undisclosed amount
  • Infoseek – 1999; undisclosed amount
  • Fox Family Worldwide (Freeform) – 2001; $2.9 billion
  • Baby Einstein – 2001; undisclosed amount
  • The Muppets – 2004; $75 million
  • CrossGen – 2004; $1 million
  • Avalanche Software – 2005; undisclosed amount
  • Pixar – 2006; $7.4 billion
  • Oswald the Lucky Rabbit – 2006; traded for the rights to sports broadcaster Al Michaels
  • Junction Point Studios – 2007; undisclosed amount
  • Marvel – 2009; $4 billion
  • Hulu – 2009; 30% purchase (increased to full ownership in 2019)
  • Wideload Games – 2010; undisclosed amount
  • Tapulous – 2010; undisclosed amount
  • Playdom – 2010; $563 million
  • UTV Software Communications – 2011; $297 million
  • Lucasfilm (Star Wars) – 2012; $4.06 billion
  • Maker Studios – 2014; $500 million
  • Sphero – 2014; unknown minority investment
  • BAM – 2016 & 2017; $2.58 billion total
  • 21st Century Fox – 2019; $71.3 billion

His contributions to The Walt Disney Company and to everything the company touched are undeniable, and he will be missed.

Ahead of his departure at the end of the month, Iger penned a letter that was sent out to employees. You can read the letter in its entirety here:

“As my time at The Walt Disney Company comes to a close, I write to thank all of you for what has been a thrilling and immensely gratifying 47½ years. I would love to be able to do this in person, but the global pandemic has deprived me of that opportunity, so please forgive the less-than-personal nature of this farewell.

It is impossible for me to fully express my feelings, but I would like to leave you with a few thoughts, some memories, and above all else, my deepest gratitude.

My ABC/Disney journey began when I was 23 and ends as I approach my 71st birthday. It has been unpredictable, exhilarating, wildly fulfilling, and certainly a lot of fun. To say I have tremendous respect and affection for the thousands of people I have worked with over the years would be a gross understatement.

I have enormous pride in what we have accomplished and transforming Disney into one of the world’s most admired companies is at the top of my list. We did this by producing the finest in content and experiences, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and expanding our presence around the world, and nothing has been more important to me than imparting and applying the highest standards of quality and integrity when it comes to our people and everything we create.

Fire Chapek Petition Gains Major Steam, Over 30K Signatures in 24 Hours

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

Yesterday, it was reported that a petition calling for the firing of Disney CEO Bob Chapek was gaining steam after being shared by several former Disney Imagineers. The petition claimed that Chapek was making decisions that decreased the quality of in-Park experiences, as well as favoring reusing IPs instead of coming up with new and original ideas at the Parks. The petition also claimed that Chapek was putting making money over Disney products and the quality of The Walt Disney Company.

Now, the petition was started over one year ago, but in that time, it had only amassed several thousand signatures — including over 300 in the time it took to write and publish this article. However, after being shared by some with larger social media followings, the petition exploded and now has just over 40,000 signatures — receiving nearly 35,000 signatures in just 24 hours. Thousands of users are sharing the petition on social media and encouraging others to sign.

According to the Change.org petition:

In early 2020 he became the CEO of the Walt Disney Company which was extremely concerning. Bob Chapek has made an excessive amount of budget cuts, even with the Covid-19 pandemic being considered. Budget cuts began before the pandemic began, and increased. He recently reinstated full executive salaries at Disney, and also has laid off over 28,000 employees throughout the company. And now he is moving the focus to Disney plus, the current big money maker, instead of keeping the parks at high quality.

Normally you would think to keep the quality of the parks during a time of decreased revenue, but he is concerned about what will make him the most money quickest. Maintenance at the parks has also gotten its worst under Chapek, and is not getting better. Chapek has proven he doesn’t care about the quality and legacy of Disney.

Within the petition to fire Chapek is one that suggests Josh D’Amaro — the current Chairman of Disney Parks, Products, and Experiences — should take over as CEO of the massive company. Chapek had been in the position D’Amaro now occupies before he was promoted to CEO in February 2020 with former CEO Bob Iger taking the rank of Executive Chairman.

It is important to remember that just because the petition has amassed tens of thousands of signatures, that does not mean that Disney will be required to make any changes to its current leadership. However, if enough fans voice their concerns, Disney may perk up their ears and take note.

Online petition is circulating calling for the removal of Disney’s CEO

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

If you’ve spent any time on social media, it’s no surprise that many are not happy with Bob Chapek’s performance in his role as CEO of The Walt Disney Company. And now, an anonymous person has begun a petition to see that performance come to a close.

The 61-year-old media executive came into his role when previous CEO Bob Iger finally stepped down. Passing the proverbial torch had been on his agenda for some time, but the event continued to be postponed. And when Iger did step down, it was at perhaps the worst time possible.

But then again, who could have forecast a global pandemic that would seep its way into every facet of daily life, business, entertainment, etc.? And whether because of the pandemic or because the powers that be had concerns early on, Bob Iger was asked to stay close to the post; Chapek was CEO, but Iger was at his side, always at the ready, and presumably looking after affairs just like he had been doing since 2005.

Disney fans have voiced their concerns–and sometimes, their anger, disgust, and sheer frustration–with the Chapek administration, if you will.

And an annual retreat that took place inside the company back in June in Hawaii has fans wondering if Mr. Iger is beginning to feel what some fans are feeling. Iger opened the meeting with a word of caution.

“In a world and business that is awash with data, it is tempting to use data to answer all of our questions, including creative questions,” he said. “I urge all of you not to do that; if Disney had relied too heavily on data, the company might never have made big, breakthrough movies like Black Panther, Coco and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”

Iger went on to point out that everything done within the scope of Disney begins, at its inception, with creativity. You know, that “one little spark” thing.

Though these words were said amongst a group of people from The Walt Disney Company, word got out, and many began to perceive Iger’s words as a slam to Chapek, however diplomatic.

bob chapek toy story land opening

Not only are fans upset with Chapek’s reign; but recently, creative executives under Chapek have begun to be vocal, saying some of them are losing their creative license within their roles, and that’s if they haven’t already lost their jobs altogether, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Not only does the new petition offer those opposed to Chapek the chance to sign the petition if they feel that he’s unfit for the role of CEO or that his leadership is lacking, but it also goes so far as to name another Disney executive who is, in the opinion of the creator of the petition, has a better track record than Chapek and is better qualified for the role of CEO.

According to the online petition at Change.org:

“Bob Chapek became the Chairman of Parks and Resorts for Disney in 2015. He has consistently made decisions that decrease the quality of what is put into the parks, and also ones that favor using Intellectual properties instead of original attractions. He consistently put himself and money above the product and quality of the company.

In early 2020 he became the CEO of the Walt Disney Company which was extremely concerning. Bob Chapek has made an excessive amount of budget cuts, even with the Covid-19 pandemic being considered. Budget cuts began before the pandemic began, and increased. He recently reinstated full executive salaries at Disney and also has laid off over 28,000 employees throughout the company. And now he is moving the focus to Disney plus, the current big moneymaker, instead of keeping the parks at high quality.

Normally you would think to keep the quality of the parks during a time of decreased revenue, but he is concerned about what will make him the most money quickest. Maintenance at the parks has also gotten its worst under Chapek, and is not getting better. Chapek has proven he doesn’t care about the quality and legacy of Disney.

Josh D’Amaro, the current chairmen of parks and resorts, has not been able to do much under current circumstances, but has been very involved in the parks, assuring quality, greeting guests, and even riding through new attractions to assure high quality. He even went out of his way to console and apologize to cast members throughout Disney World and Disneyland that were affected by the layoff.

So far he has proven an interest, and commitment to the parks, and a want to make them better. While he hasn’t been there long he has made a wonderful impression and could be a good replacement for Mr. Chapek. There are also probably many other executives in Disney that they could make their new CEO. Bob Chapek is hurting and tarnishing the name of the Company, and needs to be removed.”

To view the petition, you can click here.

Columbian couple faces jail time, huge fines for selling counterfeit Disney DVDs

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Via DisDining.com

A couple from Columbia had been charged with felony and misdemeanor counts of criminal copyright infringement for profit. What copyright did they infringe upon? Well, by their own separate admissions today in federal court, Disney’s.

The couple was suspected of working a scheme to smuggle Disney DVDs into the United States and then sell them for profit on eBay. They had to be smuggled because they were illegal counterfeit DVDs.

Forty-two-year-old Tabitha Nicole Rodgers, and her husband, 48-year-old Clint Travis Rodgers, made separate appearances before Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., of the Western District of Missouri Federal Court.

Ms. Rodgers pleaded guilty to one count of criminal copyright infringement for profit, while her husband Clint pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of criminal infringement of a copyright.

In the summer of 2014, the Department of Homeland Security, specifically Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) got a tip from the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, letting the department know that Mr. Rodgers had been the recipient of nearly 450 shipments from a company in Hong Kong that was known for dealing in counterfeit items.

The contents within the 443 shipments received by Mr. Rodgers were counterfeit DVDs of Disney movies. One shipment alone contained 200 counterfeit DVDs of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, while another shipment contained 260 counterfeit DVDs of Disney’s Aladdin. These 2 shipments were reportedly seized before they could be delivered to the Rodgers’ home, which is in Columbia.

Then in early 2015, agents with Customs and Border Protection seized yet another shipment that was addressed to Mr. Rodgers. That shipment contained approximately 200 counterfeit Disney DVDs. In February and March of that year, federal agents, working in an undercover capacity, purchased some of the bogus DVDs on eBay from the Rodgers, who asserted that the DVDs were authentic Disney merchandise, even though they knew the DVDs were counterfeit renditions. The agents also contacted two people who had assisted the Rodgers, both of whom told investigators that there were copious amounts of complaints about the DVDs from customers who purchased them, some even saying that the DVDs didn’t work at all.

In late August of 2015, HSI agents were able to serve a search warrant at the Rodgers’ home. During the search, agents found loads of the counterfeit DVDs, as well as other counterfeit goods. It was then that Tabitha Rodgers admitted she was the one who conducted the daily operations of the couples’ fraudulent business.

A plea agreement was reached today, and under the terms of that agreement, Ms. Rodgers must pay restitution to the government. That amount is to be determined but will represent her share of the profits she gained as a result of the criminal operation.

She is subject to up to five years in federal prison without the possibility of parole for her part in the operation. Her husband Clint is subject to up to one year in federal prison without the possibility of parole. Sentencing in this case will take place at a later date.