Ever since Disney announced that Bob Iger would be taking over as CEO and Bob Chapek would be stepping down, a lot has happened.
Bob Iger ©New York Post
We’ve learned more about why this decision was made, what Iger’s first steps should be, what changes Iger could realistically make, and how Chapek’s exit is impacting the company. Now we’re learning more about Iger’s plans as CEO as he holds a Town Hall meeting for employees today.
Iger has already commented on Park Pass Reservations, the rumored merge with Apple, and the previously announced hiring freeze, but one question turned his attention to the relocation of Disney employees.
Lake Nona Town Center ©Lake Nona
Back in 2021, Disney purchased land in the Lake Nona area of Orlando to build a campus that would relocate thousands of Disney employees to Central Florida. Disney announced that this plan was delayed as of June 2022 and we haven’t heard much about the situation since. Originally, Josh D’Amaro announced that this move would take place during the next 18 months starting in July of 2021, but the move has now been delayed for over 3 years.
Obtained Via the Orlando Business Journal
So what is happening with the move? According to Ashley Carter on Twitter, Iger is aware that the relocation was delayed, however he has not made a decision on it yet. Iger just stepped back into the shoes of CEO on November 20th with a few days notice, so it is likely we will see more big decisions made by him as he settles back into the role.
Iger was also asked about Disney's plan to move Imagineering from California to Florida (Lake Nona). He said he's aware that the relocation had been delayed, but hasn't made any decision on it.
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) November 28, 2022
Bob Iger will be CEO for the next two years of Disney, so if the delay is at least 3 years, he won’t be in charge when the move could happen. However, he could play a part in building the campus and creating preparations for the move, if Disney does go through with it.
Stay tuned for more news regarding Iger’s comments and visions for the company.
Bob Iger Is Back at Disney — Here’s What Can Change (and What Won’t)
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Seems like so far most of Iger’s comments are “I don’t know.”
If they do move, it will only affect those who have to relocate as they will be out of a job if they don’t want to relocate from California to Florida.
If they don’t move it also affects everyone who has already relocated based on the original time line and deadlines around moving support, etc.
Now the reality of Chapek’s decisions have to be dealt with. Even Iger doesn’t have a magic wand.
Why would Disney want to bring more business to a state that is out to harm them in any way possible? I am sure the governor will take credit for bringing more business to the state as he dissolves Reedy Creek.
Pris, he has only been back on the job for a short time. I think Mr. Iger is someone who does his research before opening his mouth.
Will they be moving to Flordia with California salaries? Thus hurting Floridian house prices etc. who make much less?