Bob Iger, in his second-to-last year leading Disney as CEO, saw his total compensation increase 11.5%, to a total of $45.8 million in 2025.
Disney disclosed Iger’s pay package in its proxy statement filed Thursday with the SEC.
Iger’s base salary for 2025 was unchanged at $1 million. He also received Disney stock awards worth $21 million, $14 million in stock options, a $7.25 million cash bonus and $2.59 million in other compensation (including $1.85 million for security and $568,670 for personal air travel).
Iger’s contract with Disney is set to expire at the end of 2026 — and the Mouse House’s board is expected to announce a CEO successor to Iger as soon as next month. The leading candidates, per Wall Street analysts tracking the situation, are Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, who oversees the company’s parks, cruises and consumer products, and Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
“The appointment of the next CEO will be determined by the full Board, and we currently expect to announce the appointment of the Company’s next CEO in early 2026,” Disney chairman James Gorman said in the proxy statement. The company did not identify who’s on the shortlist, of course, but said, “Each internal candidate is going through a rigorous preparation process, including mentorship from Mr. Iger, external coaching and engagement with all Directors.”
Iger, after serving as CEO of Disney for 15 years, previously retired at the end of 2021 and was replaced by then-CEO Bob Chapek. But in November 2022, the board ousted Chapek and brought Iger back as chief exec.
Disney also announced in the proxy filing that the 2026 annual shareholders meeting will be held virtually (at virtualshareholdermeeting.com/DIS2026) on March 18, starting at 10 a.m. PT.
Iger is up for reelection to Disney’s board at the 2026 meeting for a one-year term.
In discussing his qualifications as CEO and for the board, Disney noted that Iger “has an unmatched knowledge of the Company and the creative content it produces, and an in-depth understanding of fostering innovation through technology and connecting to audiences in our markets around the world.”
“Throughout Mr. Iger’s tenure at Disney, he has successfully expanded the Company’s geographic presence, identified new revenue streams and initiated the Company’s DTC efforts, expanding the scale and global reach of Disney’s storytelling and streaming services,” Disney said. “Mr. Iger has also furthered Disney’s rich history of storytelling through the successful landmark acquisitions and integration of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox.”