Presidential Distinguished Speaker Series: Bob Iger

Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company and a leader in creativity and innovation, will visit Caltech as the next featured guest in the Presidential Distinguished Speaker Series. The series brings eminent speakers to campus to discuss timely topics in science and engineering, culture, public policy, and American higher education.

Caltech students, faculty, and staff members are invited to engage with Iger in a fireside chat, led by President Thomas F. Rosenbaum, at The Athenaeum on Thursday, April 18 at 3 p.m. PT. This in-person event is free, but registration is required as space will be limited.

About the Speaker

Robert A. Iger is the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, having returned to the company in November 2022 after serving as chairman and CEO from 2005 to 2020, and then as executive chairman and chairman of the board through 2021.

Over his more than 15 years at the helm of Disney, Iger has stewarded one of the world's most respected and beloved brands. His strategic vision focuses on three fundamental pillars: generating the best creative content possible, fostering innovation and embracing the latest technology, and expanding into new markets across the globe. Building on Disney's rich history of unforgettable storytelling, Iger acquired Pixar (2006), Marvel (2009), Lucasfilm (2012), and 21st Century Fox (2019). He led the landmark opening of Disney's first theme park and resort in mainland China, Shanghai Disney Resort, as well as the release of a number of record-setting films, including Marvel's Avengers: Endgame, Disney's Frozen and Frozen 2, and Marvel's groundbreaking Black Panther.

Iger joined Disney's senior management team in 1996 as chairman of the Disney-owned ABC Group, and in 1999, was appointed President of Walt Disney International. In that role, Iger expanded and coordinated Disney's presence outside the United States, establishing the blueprint for the company's international growth today. From 2000 to 2005, he served as Disney's president and chief operating officer.

Among other honors, Iger is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, one of the nation's most prestigious honorary societies. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in January 2020, and the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 2015. In September 2022, he was recognized by the late Queen Elizabeth as an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his services to UK-US relations.

Iger's New York Times best-selling book, The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, published in 2019. He is a graduate of Ithaca College.

About the Series

For more information on the Presidential Distinguished Speaker Series, visit the speaker series website.

For information on this event, please contact the Caltech Ticket Office by email at [email protected].