"You Can't Just Turn the Switch Off" — What's Next for Disney CEO Bob Iger?

Earlier this week, we got some massive Disney news — Josh D’Amaro is about to become the new CEO of the company.

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D’Amaro will take over the role on March 18th, 2026, which is much sooner than was originally anticipated based on Bob Iger’s contract. But with this change, Iger will get the chance to pull back from the company he’s been with for decades. So what’s next for Bob Iger?

Iger and D’Amaro had an interview with Good Morning America after the news was announced, and they had some very interesting things to say about the future of the company and the effects of this transition. But if you’re wondering what’s next for Bob Iger and how he feels about passing the baton, you’ll be happy to know that he’s ready.

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During the interview, Iger shared what it’s like to prepare himself for this change, saying, “You can’t just turn the switch off one day on something that you’ve been so involved with, and it’s such an important part of your life. But I’m just looking forward to quieter moments and quieter days, and, I don’t know, a little more room in my life.”

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It’s not lost on D’Amaro that he has big shoes to fill, either. He responded to Iger’s comments by saying, “Of course I feel the weight on my shoulders — I should feel it.” D’Amaro noted that it can be a bit intimidating to think about following after Iger, but the thing they have in common? “Bob’s a big risk taker, I’m a big risk taker, and that’s been true my whole life.”

Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23, 2023 ©Disney

However, Josh D’Amaro won’t be alone near the top. It was also revealed that Dana Walden is being promoted to Walt Disney Company President and Chief Creative Officer. D’Amaro described her as an “incredibly powerful executive” and their work relationship as a “very powerful partnership.” He noted that choosing her for the role was the right step by the committee.

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Iger has a long career in executive roles at Disney. He was named President of The Walt Disney Company in 2000, serving as second-in-command under Michael Eisner. Iger was promoted to CEO in 2005 and served in that role until 2020, when he became Executive Chairman of the board. He took a brief retirement for a few months until he was reinstated as CEO in November 2022.

We wish Iger a very happy retirement and good luck on whatever he chooses to do next. Maybe it’s time for a vacation? Might we suggest a Disney cruise? 😉

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Changes Experts Are Predicting When Josh D’Amaro Takes Over

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