Walt Disney CEO, Bob Iger to Receive Ad Council’s Public Service Award

The Ad Council has announced that Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, will be honored with the organization’s Award for Public Service. The award will be presented at the Public Service Award Dinner on December 5, 2024, at the Glasshouse in New York City.

Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council, highlighted that under Iger’s leadership, Disney has maintained a strong commitment to public service and social impact. She praised Iger as a role model within the industry and expressed enthusiasm for celebrating his legacy of corporate citizenship.

Iger, who served as CEO and Chairman of Disney from 2005 to 2020 and returned as CEO in 2022, has overseen significant expansions through acquisitions of companies like Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. His leadership has earned Disney recognition on Forbes’ “Most Reputable Companies” and Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” lists. Iger has received numerous accolades, including TIME’s Businessperson of the Year in 2019. He also serves on the boards of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Bloomberg Philanthropies and is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Under Iger’s guidance, Disney has strengthened its partnerships with organizations that support children’s well-being, especially those with critical illnesses. In 2018, Iger announced a $100 million global commitment to enhance the patient experience in children’s hospitals, combining financial support with Disney’s products and services. Additionally, Disney’s collaboration with Make-A-Wish has resulted in over 155,000 wishes granted to children over the past 40 years.

The Ad Council’s Annual Public Service Award Dinner is its largest fundraising event, bringing together leaders from media, marketing, advertising, and technology. The 2023 dinner raised over $8.1 million to support the Ad Council’s national social impact programs. Previous recipients of the Award for Public Service include JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, and Verizon Chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg, among others.

This year’s event will be co-chaired by Tara Walpert Levy, VP of Americas at YouTube, and Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising at The Walt Disney Company.

Iger expressed his gratitude for the Ad Council’s recognition, stating his pride in Disney’s positive global impact. He emphasized the importance of supporting children’s well-being and bringing joy and inspiration to those in need.

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