2015 is not far way. Why do I bring this up? Well as a Disney fan 2015 is going to be a year to watch. Much has been made of the Walt Disney Studios slate, which is scheduled to feature the Avengers sequel, Star Wars: Episode VII, and Pirates 5. Also the biggest Parks and Resorts expansion since 1971 will be opening when Shanghai Disneyland opens its gates.
But all of this pales in comparison to the big question of 2015. What happens when the Iger era ends. If you ask me what the Iger doctrine is, I would reply by saying that it is developing and acquiring creative franchises and then spreading them through the Disney ecosystem. Obviously, the Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm acquisitions show how Bob defied Wall Street and made big plays to expand the arenas Disney played in. But one could also say that the investment in the redevelopment in Disney California Adventure was a way to reinvigorate the Disney Parks franchise that was struggling with the underperforming park dragging on earnings and brand perception.
Shanghai Disneyland is a way to introduce those franchises to the growing market of China. Disney’s acquisition of UTV allows families in India to get to know the Disney characters. While Disney launching a free-to-air Disney Channel in Russia provides brand awareness to that growing market. That is three of the BRIC that most business folks look at as the growing markets. Brazil is the last one, and if you visit Walt Disney World this time of year you know many are aware of the strength the brand holds in that country.
When Bob ascended to the CEO role, he made no bones about his desire to focus on three things; creativity, technology, and international expansion. He has not wavered from that focus. While there are still many critics of the state of Disney with both valid and unreasonable perceptions, you have to admit that Bob has exceeded our expectations.
He has grown our company and has brought brands that feel home at Disney into the family. He has invested in the parks even when it might not have been the popular decision. He created a fan club, which at the very least shows that the company knows the value of its fans. No one expected these from the guy that was perceived as Michael Eisner’s lackey.
So this brings me to 2015. I admit I am nervous. As a Disney consumer and shareholder I want this Iger ride to continue. But I am also excited. There is a combination of the fear and thrill of the unknown. What will be the vision of his successor? Where will he or she take Disney? What changes will they make? There is one thing that is certain… Disney will look different in 2020 than it does in 2015. Companies of Disney’s size cannot stand still. They have to keep investing and growing. In which way will it grow? Who will leave? Who will come on board?
Only time will tell which way Disney goes. But no matter what happens…at least we have an exciting 2015 to look forward to.