Masters of Scale Disney’s Bob Iger: How acquisitions become an ecosystem, part 1
Mar 2, 2021
Bob Iger, executive chairman and former CEO of the Walt Disney Company, shares insights from his transformative tenure at Disney. He discusses the strategic acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, emphasizing the importance of preserving unique corporate cultures. Iger reflects on the challenges of integrating diverse teams while maintaining the core values that define a brand. He reveals his vision for Disney's future, focusing on innovation and global expansion, all while navigating the complexities of corporate synergy and legacy.
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Iger's Bold Move
- Bob Iger's first board meeting as Disney CEO focused on fixing Disney animation.
- He proposed acquiring Pixar, despite potential high costs and the risk of antagonizing Steve Jobs.
The Pixar Pitch
- After the board's hesitant approval, Iger nervously called Steve Jobs to propose the Pixar acquisition.
- Jobs, intrigued by the "crazy idea," insisted on hearing the pitch immediately, leading to a pivotal meeting.
Acquisitions as Ecosystems
- Building a lasting global brand involves turning acquisitions into a thriving ecosystem.
- Protecting the unique qualities of acquired properties is key to their success.