The Walt Disney Company has extended Bob Iger’s tenure as chief executive and chairman through the expiration of his contract June 30, 2016.

Iger was named CEO at the end of September, 2005, overseeing the company during its acquisition of Pixar in 2006, Marvel in 2009 and Lucasfilm last October.

The contract extends his tenure 15 months beyond his previously announced retirement date as CEO in 2015. Under that 2011 contract, he was to have remained executive chairman until mid-2016.

In a statement, Orin C. Smith, independent lead director of the Disney Board, said: “For nearly eight years as chief executive officer, Bob Iger has proven he has the unique ability to drive creative and financial success at the world’s preeminent entertainment company.”

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