The Walt Disney Company’s Executive Chairman, and former CEO, Bob Iger sat down with SiriusXM Business Radio’s “Leadership Matters” host, Alan Fleischmann, for an upcoming interview on life after Disney.
In excerpts shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Iger says that he is not “retiring” when he leaves the company.
“I’m not retiring. I can’t possibly do that … I’m not gonna sit around the house binge-watching television shows,” writes Alex Weprin of The Hollywood Reporter. “I’d like a little bit more leisure time in my life. And I’d like more adventure, whatever that is.”
Among the other excerpts that were shared with THR, Iger discusses the reasons that led him to choose Bob Chapek to succeed him as Disney’s chief executive officer.
Iger told Fleischmann that he did not want to overstay his welcome. He went on to say that he felt he had a good 15 years as CEO and he thought time time was right to step away.
This was one of those decisions that was kept very quiet and did not leak out. Iger said that even though it seemed to be abrupt, talks had been going on for months between Iger and Disney’s Board of Directors.
“So I thought the best thing I could possibly do for the company would be one, make sure that we succeed at succession, and that my successor is successful,” he added. “And then second, leave the company and my successor with the greatest possible hand creatively. A pipeline of movies and television shows and theme park attractions and lands and you-name-it that would power the company for many years to come.”
In 2019, Iger released his first book, “The Ride of a Lifetime.” The book was part autobiography and part leadership.
In the upcoming SiriusXM interview, Iger said he has started writing a second book. “I love to write … I’ve grown as a writer,” said Iger. “I’m actually thinking of another book right now … actually I started it with some loose outlines and writing down some thoughts, but I think there’s another chapter or two or ten maybe.”
“I’ve learned a tremendous amount from this great company I’ve worked for and I am sure I’ll be able to apply that in other directions.”
The entire interview will air on 6 April 2021 during a special edition of SiriusXM Business Radio’s “Leadership Matters.”
