The future of the Walt Disney Company could be announced as early as next week, including the identity of the next Disney CEO.
©Disney
The Walt Disney Company will hold its next earnings call on February 2nd at 8:30 AM ET. During the call, the company will discuss its fiscal first-quarter 2026 results and provide a closer look at its performance at the start of the new fiscal year. But, experts are predicting that we could learn who the next CEO will be during this call as well.
The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger is set to leave the company at the end of 2026, when his contract is up. Ever since the contract expiration date was announced, many have been wondering who would take Iger’s place after he leaves. Disney had said that a successor would be named in early 2026, and now that the new year has rolled around, we’re eager to learn just who it might be.
©Disney
Disney Chairman James Gorman has stressed the board’s commitment to naming Iger’s successor in early 2026, which means we could have an announcement any day now. In addition to the upcoming earnings call, Disney also set its annual shareholders meeting for March 16th at 10 AM PST, which could be when we learn who will be taking over as head of the company.
©Disney
Gorman told the Los Angeles Times, “Management succession planning remains a top priority for the Board, reflecting its importance to business continuity and long-term shareholder value. Oversight of the process is led by our dedicated Succession Planning Committee, and all directors have actively participated in a rigorous and ongoing evaluation of potential successor candidates, including direct engagement, performance assessment, and consideration of leadership capabilities aligned with the Company’s long-term strategy. The appointment of the next CEO will be determined by the full Board, and we currently expect to announce the appointment of the Company’s next CEO in early 2026.”
©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters
Previous reports have said that Disney had narrowed its search for its next CEO to Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, and Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment. Bloomberg then polled 700 industry experts, showing that most believe that D’Amaro will be named the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23, 2023 ©Disney
While anyone can listen to the earnings call live on February 2nd, we will be listening and letting you know all the updates you need to know if you can’t or don’t want to listen to the webcast. Disney will release its financial results before the opening of regular stock market trading on February 2nd and will then host the earnings call at 8:30 AM ET.
©Disney
In addition to potential successor news, we’re eager to learn about the company’s financial results in each segment (Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences). We also expect to hear more updates on streaming services like Disney+ and ESPN, and these have been a fairly big focus in previous earnings calls. Disney Cruise Line has also been a common topic in recent webcasts, so we’re looking forward to hearing more.
Walt Disney Company Headquarters in Burbank
We will be tuned in to hear about the financial results and listen to Disney discuss the future of the company — including who might be the next CEO. Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney news, reviews, tips, and tricks! We are in the parks every single day and always on the lookout for the latest Disney news to make sure you always have the most up-to-date information.
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It’s fascinating how much speculation is swirling around the February 2nd earnings call. Given the recent leadership changes, I’m really curious if they’ll use that platform to signal a clear direction for the parks division alongside the CEO announcement. Do you think the new CEO will have immediate control over those strategic shifts?
It’s fascinating how much speculation is building around the February 2nd earnings call. I wonder if the timing of the CEO announcement is strategic, perhaps trying to get ahead of any potential Q1 performance surprises. Do you think the market is already pricing in a specific type of leader?
I really hope so because my Disney Stocks Suck! Going to trade them if it doesn’t get any better!
I really hope everyone is surprized and the new CEO is Dana Walden
I am hoping its Josh D. He is Disney’s last hope to restore the magic. He was there when Mr. Eisner ran things and knows what it was like then, for Castmembers and Guests alike. I fear that Walden will be Bob Iger, Chapter 3.