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Bob Iger’s return as Disney CEO on Sunday night came as a complete surprise to his one-time handpicked successor Bob Chapek — who was in the dark about his looming exit as recently as last week, sources told The Post.
Chapek was “blindsided by the move” as “at the end of last week he did not know what was about to happen,” according to a source close to the situation.
“It was definitely a shock to Chapek,” the source added.
Iger’s talks with the board to return as CEO, meanwhile, were initiated only in recent days, according to the Wall Street Journal, which cited unnamed sources. Iger returned to the Mouse House less than one year after he retired as Disney’s executive chairman and roughly two years after he ceded the CEO gig to Chapek.
Iger “found retirement challenging,” a source told The Post.
“Missed the limelight. Was outshone by wife. Very alpha male activity,” the source added.
Other top Disney executives were unaware of the leadership change until they received Iger’s email announcing his return on Sunday night. Some of the executives learned the new while attending an Elton John concert at Dodger Stadium that was being live-streamed on the Disney+ streaming service, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Meanwhile, Disney employees were reportedly so perplexed upon receiving Iger’s email that some wondered if it was a legitimate message or had come from a hacked account.
Chapek had been expected to attend the concert and the company had even planned for him to introduce John on stage, sources told the Journal. It’s unclear if he actually attended the event.
The Post has reached out to Disney for comment.
Chapek’s ouster came just a few months after Disney’s board gave him a three-year contract extension – coupled with an annual bonus of at least $20 million.
