Few companies have CEOs who draw as much attention (and criticism) as The Walt Disney Company’s Bob Iger. Iger has been a top Disney executive for decades, assuming the role of CEO in 2005. Iger rose to popularity with wins like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, left his position as CEO, handed the reins over to Bob Chapek, and returned (ousting Chapek) in 2022 with a new goal to find a worthy successor before retiring in 2026.
©Disney
These days, one question looms large: Who has what it takes to run The Walt Disney Company? Many names have made headlines as potential CEO candidates — some internal and some external contenders. These days, though, there are four main candidates who seem to have the best shot at taking over the company, and many are betting big on the current Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
Despite the questions swirling around who will replace Bob Iger, one thing is certain. Iger’s current contract expires in 2026, and he will “definitely” step down as CEO. Disney has previously stated that the process of succession is “robust,” though Iger has not revealed much about what’s going on behind the scenes.
Walt Disney Company Headquarters in Burbank
Although Disney has not publicly commented on its succession plans, rumors run rampant online. The Hollywood Reporter recently published a piece on the “real-life Game of Thrones” power struggles happening right now in Hollywood, including Disney. Given Disney’s public failure when Iger was first replaced in 2020, the new bid to name a successor is being called “the most watched succession game in town (and maybe the world).” Disney even hired James Gorman, chairman emeritus of Morgan Stanley, to oversee the selection process.
Bob Chapek and Bob Iger ©CNBC
It’s too soon to say who will officially take over, so Disney fans and Hollywood experts are left to speculate. Many believe that Josh D’Amaro, the Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, is the most likely successor. The Hollywood Reporter revealed that sources say D’Amaro “is now in pole position” given his work overseeing a $60 billion expansion of the parks business and helping Disney expand into video games with Epic (the maker of Fortnite). In public announcements and media events, like Disney’s mega D23 conferences, D’Amaro appears to be the most public-facing figure of the top candidates.
Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23, 2023 ©Disney
Other CEO candidates include Dana Walden (Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment), Alan Bergman (Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment), and Jimmy Pitaro (Chairman of ESPN). Each contender has their own set of strengths and weaknesses, though no one person seems to have experience with ALL areas of The Walt Disney Company — from sports to streaming to movies to parks and experiences.
©Disney
Regardless of who takes over the position in 2026, they will inherit some major projects. Disney announced a massive theme park expansion in California, a set of brand-new cruise ships, a massive overhaul of several areas in Disney World, a new addition in Disneyland Paris, and, most recently, a new theme park in Abu Dhabi. And that’s just within the Disney Experiences division. Disney has been leaning heavily into its Experiences sector lately, which could be a good indication that it is eyeing D’Amaro as the next CEO.
©Disney
At its core, the Disney brand is all about storytelling, so the new CEO must play the role of a main character as much as a businessman (or woman). We’ll continue to look out for updates as we approach Iger’s retirement. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
“We’ve Learned From the Past” — Disney CEO Bob Iger Comments on Succession Process
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No, absolutely not to D’Amaro. I would like to seeDana Walden as CEO