A new honor is putting Bob Iger back in the spotlight, just months after the latest major shift in Disney's executive ranks.
Bob Iger Named 2026 Icon of Culture Award Recipient
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger will receive the Perelman Performing Arts Center's Icon of Culture Award at the organization's fall gala in October.
The honor was announced by fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, who received the award in 2025, and Perelman Performing Arts Center chair Michael Bloomberg. Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts was also present for the announcement.
The award continues a stretch of public recognition for Iger following the end of his second term as Disney CEO. Earlier this month, Iger received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Howard University.
Iger's recognition from the Perelman Performing Arts Center comes as The Walt Disney Company continues moving through a new era of leadership.
Josh D'Amaro, formerly Chairman of Disney Experiences, became Disney CEO in March, succeeding Iger after a hotly discussed succession process. Dana Walden was also named President and Chief Creative Officer in the same period.
Recent developments have demonstrated how quickly the company's new executive lineup are engaging with Disney's major divisions. D'Amaro, Walden, Bergman, Lucasfilm President and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni, and Lucasfilm Co-President Lynwen Brennan recently gathered for a leadership meeting focused on the future of Star Wars.
Filoni and Brennan took over Lucasfilm leadership from Kathleen Kennedy after a January announcement, adding another major transition to Disney's changing corporate structure.
While Iger is no longer Disney's CEO, his influence remains closely tied to the company's current direction. Iger returned to Disney in late 2022 after Bob Chapek was removed as CEO, beginning a second tenure focused on restructuring the company, stabilizing investor confidence, and ultimately finding a long-term successor in Josh D'Amaro.
With D'Amaro now leading the company and other executives stepping into expanded roles, Iger's newest honor arrives during a period when his legacy at Disney is being weighed against the next generation of leaders, which we have seen through leadership changes in the last few days right here at Walt Disney World Resort.
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