Netflix CEO Reed Hastings Reacts to Bob Iger's Disney Return "I had been hoping Iger would run for president."

By Steve Huff

L: Reed Hastings, Bloomberg R: Bob Iger, Samir Hussein || Getty Images

Disney's firing of Bob Chapek and rehiring Bob Iger as CEO shocked many, including co-CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings.

Hastings, however, didn't express concern over Iger as a competitor. In a tweet, he made it clear that he thought Iger was better suited for an even bigger job — president of the United States.

"Ugh," tweeted Hastings Monday, "I had been hoping Iger would run for President. He is amazing."

The dramatic executive reshuffling happened following Disney's board learning that Chapek's leadership was driving top-shelf employees away. Despite having said in the past that he wasn't interested in coming back to the House of Mouse, the 71-year-old Iger evidently changed his mind.

Hastings wasn't being dramatic regarding the potential for a candidate Iger. As Business Insider reports, Iger first considered running, but his wife discouraged him. It came up again:

He considered running for president for a second time after the 2016 elections, saying that America was "gravely in need of optimism" in the wake of the Trump presidency. Still, he was met with resistance by his family once again and decided against it.

Business Insider notes that Iger would go on to say he was "'really naive' about his leadership abilities and chances of winning."

There might be another reason Hastings wishes Iger wasn't back at the helm. Disney is officially one of Netflix's strongest rivals for streaming audiences. Hastings might consider starting a movement to draft his rival exec into the 2024 race if Iger further strengthens Disney's hold on the market.

Steve Huff

Entrepreneur Staff

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Science & Technology

This AI is the Key to Unlocking Explosive Sales Growth in 2025

Tired of the hustle? Discover a free, hidden AI from Google that helped me double sales and triple leads in a month. Learn how this tool can analyze campaigns and uncover insights most marketers miss.

Franchise 500 Annual Ranking

50 Franchise CMOs Who Are Changing the Game

Get to know the industry's most influential marketing power players.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

A New Hampshire City Was Named the Hottest Housing Market in the U.S. This Year. Here's the Top 10 for 2024.

Zillow released its annual lists featuring the top housing markets, small towns, coastal cities, and geographic regions. Here's a look at the top real estate markets and towns in 2024.

Business News

'We're Not Allowed to Own Bitcoin': Crypto Price Drops After U.S. Federal Reserve Head Makes Surprising Statement

Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments on Bitcoin and rate cuts have rattled cryptocurrency investors.

Business Ideas

Is Your Business Healthy? Why Every Entrepreneur Needs To Do These 3 Checkups Every Year

You can't plan for the new year until you complete these checkups.