Bob Chapek’s Days As Disney CEO Are Numbered

It seems as though Bob Chapek’s days as Disney CEO are numbered if a new report from The Hollywood Reporter is to be believed.

Now, the report doesn’t state that Chapek is set to step down as Disney’s CEO.

However, what they did was talk to industry insiders and they seem to think that Chapek is treading on very thin ice right now.

Disney’s staff have been revolting over Chapek’s handling of Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, and insiders told The Hollywood Reporter that “there’s a lack of awareness” from the current leadership.

The article also says that entertainment chief Peter Rice and ex-CFO Tom Staggs are the current favourites to take over from Bob Chapek should he be forced to leave the role.

Peter Rice is a name that we mentioned in a previous article.

We were informed that he might be the one to take over as Disney CEO should Chapek fail in the position.

Specifically, we had been informed that Rice was being brought in to help Chapek handle talents since the new CEO seemed to be struggling in that area of management.

Chapek to be replaced as Disney CEO?

Credit: Disney

Read more: Disney In Turmoil – Creators Are Not Happy With Bob Chapek

Chapek’s current contract is up in just 11 months and there haven’t been any talks of extending that contract just yet.

That’s very odd and it seems to be getting very close to the wire for the current CEO.

CEO contracts would usually be extended at least a year before they are due to run out.

Therefore, the fact that his contract hasn’t been renegotiated or extended already is rather telling.

Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek might be out very soon

Read more: Trouble At Disney: Kevin Feige Vs. Bob Chapek

Moreover, the article reveals that there’s a cartoon hanging in the production offices of The Simpsons and it has Chapek in the ‘In Memoriam’ section of the Oscars show.

This was revealed to The Hollywood Reports by sources close to Disney.

Moreover, Disney has just postponed their management retreat at the very last second, which is not a good look for Chapek.

They were going to have the retreat in Orlando in the last week of March.

The Hollywood Reporter’s source said: “This was Chapek’s big moment, post-Iger, to assert his leadership and vision in front of the top 300 execs worldwide.”

The signs aren’t good for Chapek

Read more: Disney CEO Bob Chapek Changing Talent Deals

They continued: “These events at Disney are like political rallies, coronations, sports camps and proms all in one.”

The postponement is “not necessarily fatal but very serious and destabilizing,” the source added.

The event has yet to be rescheduled, but Chapek still held a two-day meeting for investors.

What do you make of this news?

Do you think that Bob Chapek’s days and Disney’s CEO are numbered?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

What do you make of this story? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages! And if you enjoy listening to film podcasts, why not check out our podcasts, Small Screen Stories and Small Screen Film Club wherever you get your podcasts!