As of November 2022, Robert Iger is the CEO of the Walt Disney Company. He previously served as CEO and Chairman of Disney from 2005 to 2020. In 2021, Iger became the Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board while Bob Chapek took over. Since The Walt Disney Company first started, there have only been 7 CEOs. Here's who else has led the company in the past.
Disney's CEO History
Roy Disney: Walt's brother Roy was named CEO of the Walt Disney Company in 1929, but he didn't officially take on the duties of the role until two years after Walt died in 1966. Before taking on the duties of a CEO, Roy oversaw the financial portion of the business. After Walt died, Roy postponed his retirement to complete the Florida theme park. He retired in 1971 after Walt Disney World opened and died two months later.
Donn Tatum: Tatum became Disney’s Production Business Manager in 1956 and succeeded Roy as CEO after his death. He served as CEO from 1971 to 1976 and was instrumental in the creation of the Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot Center, and Tokyo Disneyland.
E. Cardon “Card” Walker: The US Navy man worked at Disney until he was called in for duty, where he served from 1943 and 1945. After that, he returned to Disney as the Vice President of Advertising and Sales, then later got elected to the Board of Directors. in 1976, Walker became the CEO of Disney and served as such until 1983, one year after he founded the Disney Channel in 1982.
Ron W. Miller: Walt’s son-in-law Ron (he was married to Walt’s daughter Diane) served as CEO from 1983 to 1984. Miller is responsible for the Touchstone Label, establishing Disney Channel as a brand, and making the first attempts at computer animation.
Michael Eisner: Before joining the Walt Disney Company, Eisner served as President and CEO of Paramount Pictures from 1976 to 1984. In September of that year, he became the CEO of Disney and served in that role until 2005 when Iger took over.
Bob Chapek: Former head of Disney Parks, Experience, and Products, Chapek took over as Disney's CEO in early 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. He oversaw the company as it closed the theme parks and laid off thousands of employees, but also helped with the reopening and growth of Disney+. Due to frustrations from fans and investors alike, Chapek did not serve as Disney's CEO very long.