Disney: Bob Iger returns as CEO as Bob Chapek exits

Entertainment company restores executive who led it for 15 years, ousting replacement after 33 months

Disney has reappointed Bob Iger as its chief executive in a surprise decision as the entertainment company ousted his hand-picked replacement, Bob Chapek, after less than three years in the job.

Iger retired from leading Disney in 2020, after delaying his exit several times to guide the company through the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. He had spent 15 years as chief executive, to be replaced by Chapek, who formerly ran its theme parks division. Iger had stayed on as executive chairman until the end of 2021.