Earlier Sunday night, Bob Iger sent out an email to Disney employees detailing his return to the company, after Bob Chapek’s reign as CEO ended suddenly this weekend. This is a remarkable turnaround, considering that the Disney board extended Chapek’s contract in June to signal confidence. Three years.)
This was a shocking and sudden turn in the current Disney saga. The saga has been through a lot of turmoil in recent months, including political missteps and consumer outrage.
And the tone of Iger’s letter is one of amazement and comfort – he’s very proud of the company that he left behind and excited to get back to it and stabilize some things. He promises that things will change as he moves forward.
Below is the complete letter.
Dear Cast Members and fellow employees
It is with great gratitude and humility (and a bit of amazement) that I write this evening to tell you the good news that I am returning as Chief Executive Officer to The Walt Disney Company.
Looking at the creative successes of our Studios, Disney General Entertainment and ESPN International teams, as well as the rapid growth and success of our streaming services, our phenomenal reimagining of our Parks and rebound, the great work of ABC News and many other achievements across our businesses, it is amazing to behold your accomplishments. I am eager to join you in many new ventures.
I know this company has asked so much of you during the past three years, and these times certainly remain quite challenging, but as you have heard me say before, I am an optimist, and if I learned one thing from my years at Disney, it is that even in the face of uncertainty -perhaps especially in the face of uncertainty – our employees and Cast Members achieve the impossible.
I will continue to share more with you and your leaders in the days and weeks ahead. Let me express my deep appreciation for everything you do. Because of you, Disney holds a special spot in the hearts and minds of people across the globe. Your commitment to the company and its mission to bring happiness to people through great storytelling inspires me every day.
Bob Iger
