Who is Bob Iger? | Biography
Bob Iger is an American media executive best known for leading The Walt Disney Company through major changes in entertainment. He was born Robert Alan Iger on February 10, 1951, in New York City. Iger graduated from Ithaca College and started his broadcasting career at ABC in 1974. His career at ABC eventually led him into Disney’s senior leadership after Disney acquired Capital Cities/ABC in 1996.
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Iger became Disney’s chief executive officer in 2005 after serving as president and chief operating officer. During his first tenure, he expanded Disney through several landmark acquisitions. Disney bought Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox under his leadership. These deals strengthened Disney’s film franchises and expanded its global entertainment portfolio. Iger also helped launch Disney+ in 2019 as streaming reshaped the entertainment industry.
After leaving the CEO position in 2020, Iger returned to Disney in November 2022. He then focused on restructuring the company and improving its streaming business. Disney also prioritized stronger film performance, digital ESPN growth, and expansion across Disney Experiences. His second tenure ended on March 18, 2026, when Josh D’Amaro became Disney’s new CEO.
Following the leadership transition, Iger became Disney’s Senior Advisor and remained on its Board of Directors. Disney plans for him to retire from the company on December 31, 2026.
Meanwhile, Iger has entered another major business venture. On August 12, 2026, Reuters reported that Iger and investor Joshua Kushner agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion. The deal still requires NBA approval and due diligence.
Bob Iger Age | How Old is Bob Iger?
Bob Iger is 75 years old. He was born on February 10, 1951, in New York City, United States. Therefore, Bob Iger celebrated his 75th birthday in February 2026. He built his career in broadcasting before becoming one of America’s most prominent media executives. Iger later served as The Walt Disney Company’s CEO, leading major acquisitions and expanding Disney’s global entertainment business. His age reflects more than five decades of experience across television, film, streaming, and corporate leadership.
Bob Iger Height | How Tall is Bob Iger?
Bob Iger stands 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall. The longtime media executive has maintained this listed height throughout his public career. His height is notably above the average for American men. Iger became widely known through his leadership at The Walt Disney Company, where he served as CEO until March 2026. He now serves as Disney’s senior advisor and remains on its board.
Bob Iger Education
Bob Iger graduated magna cum laude from Ithaca College in 1973. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Television and Radio from the School of Communications. Before joining ABC, Iger built a strong foundation in broadcasting and communications. He began his professional career at ABC shortly after graduating from college. Ithaca College played an important role in shaping his media career, which later led him to Disney’s highest leadership position. In 2025, Ithaca College awarded Iger an honorary Doctor of Letters degree for his achievements and contributions.
Bob Iger Ethnicity
Bob Iger is of Jewish ethnicity, with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. He was born into a Jewish family in New York City in 1951. His family background includes Austrian and Russian Jewish roots through his grandparents. Iger grew up in Oceanside, New York, after his family moved from Brooklyn. His father, Arthur Iger, and mother, Miriam Iger, both came from Jewish families. Therefore, Bob Iger’s ethnicity is Ashkenazi Jewish, while his nationality is American. His Jewish heritage forms an important part of his family background and early life.
Bob Iger Religion
Bob Iger comes from a Jewish family background, and his Jewish heritage remains a documented part of his identity. His public activities also show a longstanding connection with Jewish organizations. In 2019, the Simon Wiesenthal Center honored Iger with its Humanitarian Award for his support of the organization and its Museum of Tolerance. However, current public information does not establish how religiously observant Iger is today.
Bob Iger Wife | Is Bob Iger married?
Bob Iger is married to Willow Bay, a journalist, media executive, and academic leader. The couple married in 1995 after Iger’s first marriage ended in divorce. They have two sons together, while Iger also has two daughters from his previous marriage. Bay serves as dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. In addition, Bay and Iger are controlling owners of Angel City FC, which they acquired in 2024. The club confirmed their controlling ownership, while Bay continues to represent Angel City on the NWSL Board of Governors.
Bob Iger First Wife
Bob Iger’s first wife was Kathleen Susan Iger, whom he married in June 1977. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1994. The couple had two daughters, Kathleen Pamela Iger and Amanda Iger. Iger later married journalist Willow Bay on October 7, 1995. Together, Iger and Bay have two sons, giving him four children in total. Kathleen Susan has maintained a private life, so little public information exists about her personal or professional background. Iger’s first marriage therefore remains an important part of his family history.
Bob Iger Children
Bob Iger has four children from his two marriages. He has two daughters, Kate and Amanda, from his first marriage to Kathleen Susan Iger. He also has two sons, Max and William, with his current wife, Willow Bay. Disney identifies all four children in Iger’s official biography. Max was born in 1998, while William was born in 2002. Meanwhile, Kate and Amanda have largely maintained private lives. Bob Iger’s four children include two daughters and two sons, making his blended family an important part of his personal life.
Bob Iger Family | Parents, Siblings and Jewish Heritage
Bob Iger was born to Arthur L. Iger and Miriam “Mimi” Iger in New York City. His father served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later worked in marketing and education. His mother worked at a junior high school in Oceanside, New York. Bob is the oldest child in his immediate family, with a younger sister named Carolyn. The family later lived in Oceanside, where Iger grew up. His father’s family also had a connection to cartoonist Jerry Iger. Bob Iger’s family background includes Austrian-Jewish heritage, which shaped his early upbringing.
Bob Iger Career | ABC Beginnings, Disney Leadership & Lakers Ownership
Bob Iger built his career from television broadcasting into one of entertainment’s most influential leadership roles. He began at ABC in 1974 and steadily advanced through the company. By 1994, he had become president and chief operating officer of ABC. After Disney acquired Capital Cities/ABC in 1996, Iger joined Disney’s senior management. He later became president of Walt Disney International in 1999 and Disney’s president and COO in 2000. Iger became Disney CEO in October 2005, beginning a transformative period for the company.
During his first CEO tenure, Iger expanded Disney through major acquisitions and technology investments. Disney acquired Pixar in 2006, Marvel in 2009, Lucasfilm in 2012, and 21st Century Fox in 2019. He also oversaw Disney’s international expansion and the launch of Disney+. Iger stepped down as CEO in 2020 but returned to the position in November 2022. He remained CEO until March 2026, completing another major period of strategic transformation.
Today, Iger serves as Disney’s Senior Advisor and remains on its board of directors. His career has also expanded into sports ownership. In 2024, Iger and Willow Bay became controlling owners of Angel City FC. More recently, Iger and Joshua Kushner agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion, pending NBA approval. The deal would mark another major chapter in Iger’s business career.
Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger Buying Lakers for Record $12.5 Billion
Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger have agreed to acquire a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal values the NBA franchise at $12.5 billion, setting a record for a professional sports team. The agreement involves buying the stake from billionaire Mark Walter, who acquired control from the Buss family in 2025. The transaction still requires approval from the NBA Board of Governors before completion.
Kushner and Iger became interested after exploring a potential NBA expansion team in Las Vegas. However, they shifted their focus after learning the Lakers could become available. Iger said the deal came together within three days, highlighting how quickly negotiations developed. Both businessmen described themselves as lifelong NBA fans and praised the Buss family’s stewardship.
If approved, the $12.5 billion Lakers deal will create the highest-valued sports franchise transaction ever recorded. Iger brings extensive entertainment and sports experience from Disney and Angel City FC. Meanwhile, Kushner brings experience from Thrive Capital and other investments. Together, they plan to build on the Lakers’ legacy while competing at the highest level.
Bob Iger Salary | Disney Pay and Total Compensation
Bob Iger earned $45.84 million in total Disney compensation for fiscal 2025, including salary, incentives, and equity awards. His base salary represented only 3% of his target annual compensation, while performance-based pay made up the majority. Iger left Disney’s CEO position on March 18, 2026, ending his latest tenure as chief executive. Therefore, his fiscal 2025 compensation represents his final full-year CEO pay package. He now serves as Disney’s senior advisor, giving him a different compensation structure from his previous CEO role.
Bob Iger Net Worth 2026
Bob Iger’s net worth is estimated at approximately $650 million to $800 million in 2026. His fortune comes mainly from decades of executive compensation, stock awards, investments, and business interests. Iger earned $45.84 million in total Disney compensation for fiscal 2025, including salary and performance-based awards. He also owns business interests outside Disney, including Angel City FC with his wife, Willow Bay. Additionally, Iger recently agreed to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Joshua Kushner in a record $12.5 billion deal. However, his exact personal net worth remains private.
Biography Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Alan Iger |
| Date of Birth | February 10, 1951 |
| Age | 75 years old |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Ashkenazi Jewish |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Profession | Media Executive, Businessman |
| Education | Ithaca College |
| Degree | Bachelor of Science in Television and Radio |
| Career Started | ABC, 1974 |
| Disney CEO | 2005–2020; 2022–2026 |
| Current Disney Role | Senior Advisor and Board Member |
| Wife | Willow Bay |
| First Wife | Kathleen Susan Iger |
| Children | Four |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) |
| Major Acquisitions | Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 21st Century Fox |
| Sports Ownership | Angel City FC |
| Latest Business Venture | Agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers with Joshua Kushner |
| Lakers Deal Value | $12.5 billion |
| 2025 Disney Compensation | $45.84 million |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $650 million–$800 million |
| Retirement Date | December 31, 2026 |
FAQs
What is Bob Iger’s net worth?
Bob Iger’s net worth is estimated at approximately $650 million–$800 million in 2026. His wealth comes primarily from decades of Disney executive compensation, stock awards, options, and investments. His exact personal net worth remains private.
Did Bob Iger leave Disney?
Yes. Bob Iger left the Disney CEO position on March 18, 2026. Josh D’Amaro succeeded him as CEO. Iger remained with Disney as a Senior Advisor and board member following the leadership transition.
How did Bob Iger buy the Lakers?
Bob Iger joined investor Joshua Kushner in an agreement to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion. The deal requires NBA approval before completion.
Is Bob Iger Republican or Democrat?
Bob Iger has publicly supported Democratic political candidates and causes. He has also participated in political fundraising, particularly for Democratic candidates.
Who was the bad Disney CEO?
Bob Chapek is often regarded as Disney’s most controversial recent CEO. He succeeded Iger in 2020 but left the position in November 2022. Disney then brought Iger back as CEO.
What does Bob Iger’s wife do?
Willow Bay is a journalist, media executive, and academic leader. She serves as dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She also co-owns Angel City FC with Iger.
Does Bob Iger have a degree?
Yes. Bob Iger earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Television and Radio from Ithaca College. He graduated magna cum laude in 1973.
How many children does Bob Iger have?
Bob Iger has four children. He has two daughters from his first marriage and two sons with his wife, Willow Bay.




