In just under two years, Bob Iger’s contract as CEO of The Walt Disney Company will run out. At that time, a new CEO will take over and, hopefully, create better memories than Iger’s last pick, Bob Chapek. Chapek’s less than three years as CEO were marred by controversy, price hikes, and unhappy customers. With Iger now back in control, you can bet he’s focusing more than ever on who will replace him.
Since Iger stepped back into the leadership role in November 2022, there has been a lot of speculation about who will take over when Iger steps down for the final time. Some think it will be insiders, with top candidates being Disney CFO Christine McCarthy and Dana Walden, the co-chair of Disney Entertainment.
However, we are now learning that Disney’s next CEO may not be coming from Disney, or any other entertainment company. The next CEO may be coming from the sports world.
According to a new report from FOX Business, Iger is reportedly considering Adam Silver as a potential successor. Silver is currently the Commissioner of the National Basketball Association.
Adam Silver, Commissioner of the National Basketball Association, is a top candidate to replace Iger as chief executive officer, when he is set to retire in two years, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.
Silver, while seemingly an unlikely candidate to run the biggest media company in the world, has a long-standing relationship with both Iger and Disney.
Silver’s job as head of the NBA means he does a lot of work with ESPN, Disney’s flagship cable sports network. Before becoming commissioner, Silver spent eight years as president and chief operating officer of NBA Entertainment.
Of course, all of this is pure speculation. Neither Disney nor Bob Iger have confirmed any potential picks that Iger may be considering. However, they have not denied the existence of a short-list.
As of right now, Iger’s contract as CEO of The Walt Disney is set to end on December 31, 2024. When he last stepped down from his CEO role, he became Executive Chairman. He has not said if that is the plan for when he steps down this time.
Bob Chapek has not publicly spoken about his tumultuous time at Disney, or commented on his abrupt firing. However, we do know that he walked away with more than $20 million.
Disney Fanatic will keep readers updated as we learn more about who may become Disney’s next CEO.
