Bob Iger, who recently concluded his second tenure as Disney’s chief executive last month, has officially returned to Thrive Capital as an adviser. This move follows his prior engagement with the venture-capital firm in September 2022, when he initially joined as a venture partner after relinquishing his first Disney CEO role and concluding his executive chairman position at the end of 2021.

His previous stint at Thrive Capital was interrupted in November 2022 when the Disney board recalled him to replace his successor, Bob Chapek, who was ousted following a series of significant missteps. Now, with his Disney leadership role behind him again, Iger is set to re-engage with the New York-based firm.

Thrive Capital, founded in 2009 by Josh Kushner, the younger brother of Jared Kushner, is welcoming Iger back with enthusiasm. Josh Kushner, a 40-year-old former Goldman Sachs banker and son of real-estate developer Charles Kushner, expressed his honor on X, stating, “We are honored to welcome Bob Iger back to Thrive. Bob leads with boldness and conviction because he knows what he is building and why. He is rejoining Thrive at a time when that kind of leadership matters most.”

Kushner further elaborated on the firm's vision, highlighting the current "most consequential technology shift of our lifetimes" driven by AI. He emphasized that future industry leaders will not only deploy advanced technology but also deeply understand customer desires, prioritizing human judgment, taste, and craft. Kushner asserted that few individuals grasp this concept as profoundly as Iger, whose career demonstrates how deeply human elements can also be the most enduring. He also noted Iger embodies Thrive’s core value that the manner of business conduct is as crucial as the business itself in defining impact.

Iger’s appointment at Thrive Capital was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Under his existing agreement with Disney, Iger will remain employed by the company as a “senior adviser” to the new Disney CEO, Josh D’Amaro, through the end of 2026. He also retains his seat on Disney’s board for his current term.

At Thrive, Iger’s responsibilities will involve collaborating with the firm’s staff on investment strategies and working directly with founders of companies within Thrive Capital’s extensive portfolio. Thrive Capital recently secured an impressive $10 billion for a new set of funds, and its portfolio boasts investments in high-profile companies such as Instagram, Spotify, Patreon, Robinhood, OpenAI, and indie film studio A24.

In his original statement in September 2022 about joining the VC firm, Iger expressed his anticipation of working with Thrive’s talented team to build and nurture future industry leaders across key sectors. He articulated his long-held belief that harnessing and advancing technology can transform businesses and improve the world, an endeavor he is excited to pursue with Thrive.

Leading up to the conclusion of his second term as Disney’s CEO, Iger had reportedly indicated a desire to dedicate more time to non-Disney ventures. These pursuits include Angel City FC, the professional women’s soccer team, in which Iger and his wife, Willow Bay (dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism), acquired a controlling stake two years prior.