Bob Iger is more than just the former CEO of Disney—he’s a business icon whose leadership redefined global entertainment. As of 2025, Iger’s net worth is estimated at $700 million, a figure shaped not just by salary but by visionary acquisitions, massive stock gains, and transformative decisions that reshaped one of the world’s largest media companies.
Early Career and Rise to Power
Robert Allen Iger, born on February 10, 1951, is now 74 years old. His path to executive success began in the 1970s at ABC, where he started as a studio supervisor. Over time, he rose through the ranks, gaining insight into broadcasting, programming, and operations. In 1996, when Disney acquired ABC, Iger transitioned into Disney’s leadership structure, eventually serving as president and COO.
In 2005, he succeeded Michael Eisner as Disney’s CEO. Over the next 15 years, Iger would lead Disney through a series of bold moves that catapulted the company—and his own financial standing—into a new era of dominance.
Strategic Acquisitions That Transformed Disney—and Iger’s Wealth
Iger’s net worth didn’t grow through salary alone. What set him apart was his long-term vision and willingness to make high-stakes acquisitions that fundamentally expanded Disney’s portfolio.
His first major deal was the $7.4 billion acquisition of Pixar in 2006. This not only brought Disney back to the forefront of animation but forged a creative partnership that delivered mega-hits like Toy Story 3, Inside Out, and Frozen. Pixar’s success bolstered Disney’s revenue and boosted its stock price—directly increasing the value of Iger’s shares and options.
In 2009, Iger moved to acquire Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion. At the time, the decision was considered risky. But the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) changed the game. With box office earnings surpassing $28 billion globally, Marvel became one of the most lucrative franchises in history, fueling stock surges that significantly boosted Iger’s personal fortune.
In 2012, he bought Lucasfilm—home to Star Wars and Indiana Jones—for another $4 billion. This gave Disney ownership of one of the most iconic properties in pop culture. New trilogies, spin-offs like The Mandalorian, and merchandise revenue added billions to Disney’s balance sheet—and millions to Iger’s.
The largest and most impactful deal came in 2019 when Iger spearheaded the $71 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox. This added The Simpsons, Avatar, X-Men, and more to Disney’s portfolio, and cemented the company’s leadership in global content and intellectual property.
The Disney+ Effect
A major leap in Iger’s legacy came with the launch of Disney+ in November 2019. Recognizing the shift toward streaming early, Iger positioned Disney to compete with giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Disney+ gained over 100 million subscribers within its first year, offering access to content from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Disney classics. This surge boosted Disney’s valuation and fueled a sharp increase in stock value—triggering massive compensation bonuses tied to Iger’s performance metrics.
Compensation and Salary
While Iger’s base salary was around $3 million annually, his true earnings came through performance-based bonuses and stock options. For example, in 2019, his total compensation hit $47.5 million, largely due to the success of Disney+ and the integration of Fox assets.
In 2018, after extending his contract, Iger was awarded a $100 million bonus, tied to performance benchmarks and the successful completion of the Fox acquisition. Under his leadership, Disney’s stock value rose more than 400%, significantly increasing the worth of his shares and options.
Beyond Disney: Books and Boardrooms
Iger published his memoir, “The Ride of a Lifetime,” in 2019. The book became a New York Times bestseller, offering insights into leadership, business philosophy, and decision-making under pressure. Though book royalties are modest compared to his Disney compensation, the publication reinforced Iger’s reputation as one of the most thoughtful business minds of his generation.
He has also joined various corporate boards and advisory roles, expanding his influence in both tech and media sectors. These positions continue to generate income and add to his already considerable net worth.
Family and Personal Life
Bob Iger has been married to journalist Willow Bay since 1995. They share two children together. Iger also has two daughters from a previous marriage. Known for keeping his private life largely out of the spotlight, Iger is admired for his calm, composed leadership style and consistent public professionalism.
Despite his massive success, Iger is regarded as approachable and well-liked by those who have worked closely with him—attributes that have served him well in complex negotiations and high-stakes corporate environments.
Retirement and Ongoing Influence
Iger officially stepped down as Disney CEO in 2020, transitioning to the role of Executive Chairman through the end of 2021. Although no longer in charge of day-to-day operations, he was instrumental in helping Disney navigate the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
Even in retirement, Iger’s Disney stock holdings and investment ventures continue to grow. With his guidance embedded in Disney’s strategy—especially around streaming and content acquisition—his financial interests remain aligned with the company’s ongoing success.