Disney Company Timeline- The Iger Era (2005-Present)

What is the Iger era known for?

The Iger era can undoubtedly be considered a success through and through. Let's look at the successes, pillars, and shortcomings.

Most notable
  Acquisitions. Iger is adept at purchasing a company or IP when the stakes are high. His most notable purchases include Marvel and Lucasfilm for over $4 Billion each, and Pixar for over $7 Billion.

Studios-
 Disney's studios films have seen a general quality increase (and certain revenue increase) since he took power. Marvel and Lucasfilm films have been strong additions to the studios bottom line. Pixar's films have generally been strong and many have made lots of money. Walt Disney animation studios films have been hit or miss, but the hits have been significant (i.e. Frozen). Walt Disney pictures films have also had a few hits (i.e. Beauty and the Beast) which have helped propel the studios revenue into the black. Iger also is responsible for the creation of Disneynature. The studios also encompasses live theater, music, radio, etc. Good 12 years so far for the studios.

Parks and Resorts- International expansion in Disneyland Hong Kong and Disney Shanghai. Expansion in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland, Redo of California Adventure. Pandora and of course, Star Wars land is in the mix. Some new attractions and technology. Again, good year for Parks and resorts.

Consumer Products/Broadcast networks- Nothing really exciting here. These divisions have been fairly stable with a few hits. No major investments to speak of, but the current problems with ESPN have been bogging down the company for the past year.

Biggest Weakness- Succession. Iger's contract keeps getting extended time after time. You'd think that the company would have learned their lesson after Eisner that having an all powerful CEO with no clear succession plan is a bad idea. Nope, Disney repeated this very process. The company HAD a succession plan with both Jay Rasulo and Tom Staggs in place. Iger chose Staggs, so Rasulo left. Then Iger got rid of Staggs. This reeks of holding onto power.

Was Staggs not capable? He was a CFO and head of parks and resorts (as was Rasulo). Perhaps Iger should have made Staggs President instead of just COO (just like Eisner was forced to make Iger). It is this type of attitude towards succession that worries many company investors. If Iger was hit by a bus, the company will once again be in turmoil. So what's next? Iger's contract got extended another year until 2019. Rumors continue to swirl that he will eventually run for office...is their a clear successor today? No. There is no President or COO today.

Also, power continues to be consolidated into Iger by making him Chairman and CEO. This too is a dangerous combination that can be separated. Learn the lessons from the Early 2000's!!!

In the future, there will still likely be some great things coming and with certain hits. Hopefully another large acquisition that will spur excitement and cross utilization across the company. Thoughts?