If Disney’s bid to acquire large parts of 20th Century Fox succeeds, Chairman and CEO Bob Iger will most likely extend his contract with the company, the Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times report.
Iger’s current contract expires in July, 2019, and 66 year-old Iger previously said he intended to retire at that time. According to the LA Times, Disney’s board would extend Iger’s contract to help the company navigate the significant regulatory hurdles needed to finalize any Fox buyout deal, and to oversee integration of Fox properties within Disney.
Whether that happens remains to be seen; Disney and Fox broke off buyout talks in early 2017, reportedly over price, and which assets were on the table. Disney is also now competing against Comcast, which has been circling the same Fox assets.
Disney did not immediately respond to request for comment from TheWrap.
Disney’s stock has more than tripled since Iger took over the top job in October 2005, and he leaves big shoes to fill. A big wallet too: Iger hauled in $43.9 million in total compensation last year, which was actually a $1 million pay cut from 2015. Iger’s 2016 pay included a $2.5 million base salary, $17 million in stock options and $20 million in incentives.