Iger Was Not Disney’s First Pick for New CEO, They Were

As Bob Iger gets reacquainted with his position as CEO of The Walt Disney Company, it has been revealed that the board of directors did not initially look to the former leader for a suitable replacement to the floundering Bob Chapek.

According to The New York Times, the board came up with a few options both inside and outside the company.

NYT reports that a person close to the board identified Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Disney’s General Entertainment Chairwoman Dana Walden. But these executives are in need of “grooming” and are currently not ready to take up the highest seat in the Mouse House.

Outside, the top two picks are reportedly Thomas O. Staggs, Disney’s former COO, and Kevin Mayer, Disney’s former streaming chief.

NYT states, “A person close to Disney’s board had reached out to them this year when Mr. Chapek’s contract renewal was under consideration. According to two people familiar with the matter, this person posed a hypothetical question: Would one or both be interested in returning to run Disney?”

The only problems were that the return of either former executive would require Disney to acquire their startup, Candle Media, and it would require the approval of Bob Chapek. 

This situation left Iger the only option, as his reappointment would carry enough board member support not to require the inclusion of the soon-to-be usurped Chief Executive, as several reportedly believe they made an error in their previous decision.

It is due to this frustration that the board of directors has made it clear that Iger will develop “a successor to lead the company at the completion of his term.”

Bob Iger’s new contract will run between now and December 31, 2024. No clear successor has been identified.

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney’s changeup as more developments come to light.