Bob Chapek says he shouldn't have taken the Disney CEO job — and has some advice for Josh D'Amaro

Business Insider | 01-10-2026 07:40pm |

Bob Chapek, the former CEO of Disney, has expressed regret about taking the job, saying he feels he was set up by his predecessor, Bob Iger. In a recent interview, he stated that if he could go back in time, he would refuse the role. Chapek believes he was unfairly burdened by Iger's legacy and faced many challenges during his tenure, including public relations issues and significant financial losses in Disney's streaming services. Chapek is now promoting his new book, where he shares his experiences at Disney, often criticizing Iger. He supports the current CEO, Josh D'Amaro, saying his promotion was the right choice and offering advice to avoid getting involved in political controversies. Chapek warns that taking sides in cultural issues can lead to backlash, as he experienced when Disney faced criticism over its response to a controversial Florida law. He emphasizes the need for Disney to focus on long-term growth and avoid political advocacy, suggesting that staying neutral can help the company avoid conflicts. D'Amaro has taken a more aggressive stance by suing the FCC over content control issues, which Chapek has chosen not to comment on, wanting to support D'Amaro without interference.

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