Bob Iger just learnt a hard lesson

OTHER than Jimmy Kimmel himself, the only person who had as much to gain or lose on Tuesday (Sep 23) from the comedian’s return to late-night television was Bob Iger, the chief executive officer of Walt Disney.

It had ultimately been Iger’s call to sideline Kimmel – a decision that would have seemed unthinkable three years ago when he returned to Disney for a second run at the top job.

Since then, Iger has morphed from outspoken CEO to capitulating yes-man. It is a transformation that encapsulates the narrative arc of most of corporate America during that period. Rather than acting as a counterweight to the White House as they did during President Donald Trump’s first term, CEOs are lining up to kiss the ring and complain quietly in private.