Bob Iger says he left a six-page succession letter for Disney's new CEO
Bob Iger disclosed that he wrote a six-page note for Josh D’Amaro when he stepped down as Disney CEO, urging awareness of the role’s influence.
Bob Iger revealed in one outlet's interview that, upon handing Disney’s leadership to Josh D’Amaro, he composed a six-page memorandum and placed it in the successor’s desk, following a practice used by recent U.S. presidents. The letter emphasizes the vast influence a Disney CEO wields over a century-old corporation and urges careful, responsible action. Iger reflected on his own brief 2020 retirement and return in 2022 after the board’s dissatisfaction with Bob Chapek’s tenure, noting that succession decisions now prioritize resilience and stamina.
He described today’s business climate as one of “perpetual crisis,” requiring leaders to balance optimism with realism. These insights guided the board’s evaluation of D’Amaro’s suitability for the role.
Why it matters
The advice highlights how leadership transitions at major corporations can shape strategic direction and corporate responsibility.
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