Bob Iger Hands Disney’s Reins to Parks Chief in Surprise Succession
- Bob Chapek, a 27-year vet, becomes company’s seventh chief
- New CEO has led parks, consumer and home video in long career
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Walt Disney Co. shares slid after Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger abruptly stepped aside and handed the reins to theme-parks head Bob Chapek, ending years of speculation over who would succeed him atop the world’s largest entertainment company.
Chapek, 60, who led Disney’s theme parks and consumer products businesses, takes over immediately, the company said Tuesday. Iger will stay to direct the company’s creative endeavors as executive chairman through 2021.