As The Walt Disney Company inches closer to its next big leadership shift, the hunt for Bob Iger’s successor is heating up. With Iger expected to step down by the end of 2026, Disney has already begun laying the groundwork for what could be one of its most important transitions ever. The process of selecting a new CEO comes with a complicated history, marked by a failed attempt at leadership under Bob Chapek, and the company is determined to get it right this time.
A Crucial Search Begins
At the forefront of this transition is James Gorman, Disney’s new chairman, who will officially take over from Mark Parker in January 2024. Gorman, who has significant experience guiding companies through leadership changes, is spearheading Disney’s CEO succession planning. His primary task? Ensure Disney avoids a repeat of the chaotic leadership era under Chapek, who was forced out after less than three years due to widespread dissatisfaction with his decisions.
Disney had originally planned to announce Iger’s replacement by 2025, but this timeline has now been pushed to early 2026, allowing more time for careful deliberation. In light of the company’s previous missteps, this delay isn’t just about ensuring a smooth handover but about finding the right candidate who can steer Disney into the future.
The Chapek Era: A Leadership Fumble
Disney’s leadership woes were front and center during Chapek’s brief and tumultuous time as CEO. Chapek’s background, heavily rooted in the company’s parks and distribution businesses, didn’t mesh well with Disney’s creative culture. His tenure saw a series of public controversies that alienated both employees and stakeholders.
One of the major points of criticism was Disney’s muddled response to Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law. Chapek’s delayed reaction drew ire from employees who felt the company had failed to live up to its values. Under Chapek, Disney was also seen as prioritizing profits over creativity, which strained relationships with creative leaders. Key figures within Disney’s entertainment empire reportedly felt sidelined, frustrated by Chapek’s more corporate, financially driven approach. This tension boiled over and, combined with other missteps, ultimately led to Chapek’s removal.
Iger’s return to the CEO role was widely celebrated, but as Disney faces challenges with streaming, box office performance, and the future of its theme parks, the pressure is on to find the right long-term leader.
Who Are the Contenders for Disney’s Next CEO?
As the board works to identify Iger’s successor, a few internal names have risen to the top of the list:
- Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, has emerged as a front-runner. Walden oversees a massive portfolio that includes Disney’s linear networks (ABC, FX, and others), its streaming services, and studio content. Her deep expertise in television and streaming, especially after Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, has positioned her as a key player in the race. If chosen, Walden would become Disney’s first-ever female CEO.
- Alan Bergman, also co-chair of Disney Entertainment, is another strong candidate. Having been with Disney for over two decades, Bergman’s leadership in Disney’s film divisions—including Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm—has been crucial to the company’s box office dominance. He was behind some of Disney’s biggest hits, such as The Avengers and Frozen 2, and played an instrumental role in Disney’s acquisition of Marvel and Lucasfilm.
- Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, is also in the running. D’Amaro has earned praise for his steady hand in managing Disney’s parks during the pandemic and reopening them in difficult circumstances. His deep connection to Disney’s core theme park business, combined with his reputation for balancing guest experience with operational efficiency, makes him a potential dark horse in the CEO race. His charisma, leadership skills, and popularity among Disney employees could position him as the right choice to reinvigorate Disney’s broader business, especially as the company aims to innovate across its parks, resorts, and cruise lines.
Why Staggs and Mayer Are Out
Although a few former Disney executives had previously been viewed as potential successors, Tom Staggs and Kevin Mayer are no longer seen as viable options. Once considered the heir apparent, Staggs left the company in 2016 after being passed over for the CEO job. While he has returned as a consultant with his private equity firm Candle Media, insiders say he is no longer part of the succession conversation.
Kevin Mayer, the executive behind the launch of Disney+, had also been considered for the role before leaving to become CEO of TikTok (a position he held briefly). Mayer, like Staggs, has returned as a consultant but is not expected to re-enter the running for CEO.
What Comes Next for Disney?
As Disney continues to navigate a changing media landscape—competing with tech giants like Netflix, managing the transition to streaming, and addressing the evolving nature of its theme parks—finding the right leader is critical. James Gorman’s role as chairman will be key in ensuring that the next CEO can effectively guide Disney through the challenges ahead.
The next Disney CEO will face immense pressure to preserve the creative legacy Iger built while ensuring the company can adapt to new technological and cultural shifts. Whether it’s Walden, Bergman, or D’Amaro, the new leader will inherit the responsibility of upholding Disney’s status as an entertainment powerhouse while navigating the rapidly changing dynamics of global media.
What changes would you like to see the new Disney CEO make when given the job?
