Bob Iger is one of the most influential and successful media executives in the world. He is the chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, the largest entertainment conglomerate in the world. Under his leadership, Disney has acquired some of the most popular and profitable franchises in the industry, such as Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. He has also launched Disney+, a streaming service that competes with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. In this article, we will explore his salary, net worth, career, and personal life in more detail.
Salary and Net Worth
According to Forbes, Iger had a net worth of $350 million as of 2023. He earned $45.9 million in total compensation in 2021, down from the $65.6 million he made in 2016, as chairman and CEO of Disney.
His salary is based on his performance and the performance of the company. He receives a base salary of $3 million, plus bonuses, stock awards, and other incentives. He also has a generous retirement plan and perks such as personal security and private jet use.
However, his salary has also been criticized by some as being too high compared to the average Disney employee. In 2019, Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of Walt Disney’s brother Roy, called Iger’s pay “insane” and said that he should share more of his wealth with the workers who make Disney possible.
Career Highlights
Iger started his media career in 1972 as the host of Campus Probe, an Ithaca College television show. He joined ABC in 1974 and rose through the ranks to become the president of ABC Entertainment in 1989. He later became the president of ABC and the president and COO of Capital Cities/ABC, which was acquired by Disney in 1996. He was named president of Disney in 2000 and succeeded Michael Eisner as CEO in 2005.
As CEO of Disney, Iger has been credited with transforming the company into a global powerhouse. He has overseen some of the most strategic and lucrative acquisitions in media history, such as Pixar for $7.4 billion in 2006, Marvel for $4 billion in 2009, Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012, and 21st Century Fox for $71 billion in 2019. These deals have expanded Disney’s portfolio of brands and franchises, such as Toy Story, The Avengers, Star Wars, Avatar, and The Simpsons.
He has also invested heavily in technology and innovation, launching Disney+, a direct-to-consumer streaming service that offers exclusive content from Disney’s studios and networks. Disney+ has gained over 100 million subscribers since its launch in November 2019, challenging the dominance of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Iger has also embraced social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to connect with fans and promote Disney’s products and services.
Iger has received numerous awards and honors for his achievements and leadership. He was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2019, one of Fortune’s Businessperson of the Year in 2014, one of Barron’s World’s Best CEOs in 2018, and one of Harvard Business Review’s Best-Performing CEOs in the World in 2019. He also holds honorary degrees from several universities, including Yale, Duke, USC, and Ithaca College.
Personal Life
Iger has been married twice. His first marriage to Kathleen Susan Iger ended in divorce. They have two daughters, Katie and Amanda. In 1995, he married journalist Willow Bay in an interfaith Jewish and Roman Catholic service in Bridgehampton, New York. They have two sons, Robert Maxwell and William.
Iger is known for being a family man who values his time with his wife and children. He also enjoys reading books, watching movies, playing golf, skiing, and traveling. He is a fan of sports teams such as the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He is also involved in various philanthropic causes, such as education, health care, environmental protection, and social justice.
Iger has also expressed interest in politics and public service. He considered running for president in 2020 as a Democrat but decided not to pursue it due to his commitment to Disney’s future plans. However, he has not ruled out the possibility of running for office in 2024 or beyond. He has said that he believes he can make a positive difference for the country and the world with his experience and vision.
Biography in Table Box
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Name | Robert Allen Iger |
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Born | February 10, 1951 |
Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
Education | B.S. in Television and Radio from Ithaca College |
Occupation | Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company |
Spouse | Willow Bay (m. 1995) |
Children | Katie, Amanda, Robert Maxwell, William |
Conclusion
Bob Iger is a remarkable leader who has transformed Disney into a global media giant. He has shown vision, creativity, and courage in acquiring some of the most iconic and profitable franchises in the industry. He has also embraced technology and innovation in launching Disney+, a streaming service that offers exclusive content from Disney’s studios and networks. He has also been recognized for his achievements and leadership by various publications and institutions. He has a balanced personal life that includes his family, hobbies, and philanthropy. He has also expressed interest in politics and public service, potentially running for president in the future. Bob Iger is a man who has made a lasting impact on the world of entertainment and beyond.