Bob Chapek Biography

Bob Chapek, born in 1959, is an American businessman and former media executive who was the CEO of The Walt Disney Company from 2020 to 2022. His 26-year career at Disney began in the Home Entertainment division and saw him eventually become Chairman of Parks & Resorts. Chapek’s time as CEO was marked by controversy, leading to his dismissal on November 20, 2022, with his predecessor, Bob Iger, taking over. Notable aspects of Chapek’s influence at Disney include modernizing the home entertainment division and incorporating Star Wars merchandise into Disney’s licensing program following the acquisition of Lucasfilm.

Bob Chapek’s age and birthday

Chapek was born on August 21, 1960, in Hammond, Indiana, USA. His zodiac sign is Leo.

Bob Chapek’s height and weight

Bob Chapek is about 6 feet 2 inches tall and has a muscular build, weighing around 66 kg. He has black eyes and black hair.

Bob Chapek’s educational background

Chapek graduated from George Rogers Clark Jr./Sr. High School in 1977. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from Indiana University Bloomington and later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Michigan State University.

Bob Chapek’s spouse and children

Chapek married Cynthia Ann Ford, a retired teacher. The couple has three children: Brian Alan, Kimberly Ann, and Kelly Marie. Despite Chapek’s prominent media role, Cynthia has maintained a low public profile. Together, they have been part of Disney’s legacy and impact.

Bob Chapek’s parents and siblings

Chapek was born in 1959 to working-class parents, Marie (Lofay) and Bernard W. Chapek, in the Chicago suburbs. He was raised in Hammond, Indiana, and his father was a World War II veteran. The Chapek family had a yearly tradition of visiting Walt Disney World.

Bob Chapek’s career

Chapek had a distinguished 26-year career at The Walt Disney Company, marked by several key milestones. He began his Disney journey in 1993 as the marketing director for Buena Vista Home Entertainment, focusing on VHS tapes. He was instrumental in transitioning the division to the digital era by promoting DVD and Blu-ray releases, leading to his promotion as president of Buena Vista Home Entertainment in 2006.

In September 2011, Chapek was appointed president of Disney Consumer Products. His role became notable after Disney acquired Lucasfilm, where he successfully integrated Star Wars merchandise into Disney’s licensing program, making Disney the largest licensor of intellectual property globally. This move was a significant part of his contributions to Disney’s consumer products sector.

Chapek’s career continued to ascend as he became Chairman of Parks & Resorts, where he played a crucial role in the expansion and success of Disney’s theme parks and resorts worldwide. On February 25, 2020, he was named CEO of The Walt Disney Company, succeeding Bob Iger. His time as CEO was marked by both accomplishments and controversies, and he was succeeded by Iger once more on November 20, 2022. Chapek’s work in home entertainment, consumer products, and theme parks has left a lasting impact on Disney’s legacy.

Bob Chapek’s net worth and salary

Chapek’s net worth is approximately $10 million, accumulated through his career at Disney and other ventures. In 2021, he earned a total of $32.5 million, comprising a base salary of $2.5 million, a bonus of $14.3 million, and $13.9 million in stock options and awards.