Bob Iger Just Learned a Hard Lesson: Beth Kowitt

Other than Jimmy Kimmel himself, the only person who had as much to gain or lose on Tuesday night from the comedian’s return to late-night television was Bob Iger, the chief executive officer of Walt Disney Co.

It had ultimately been Iger’s call to sideline Kimmel — a decision that would have seemed unthinkable three years ago when he returned to Disney for a second run at the top job.

Since then, Iger had morphed from outspoken CEO to capitulating yes-man. It’s a transformation that encapsulates the narrative arc of most of corporate America during that period. Rather than act ...