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Next in Line? Disney Experiences Head Josh D’Amaro Emerges as Frontrunner for CEO
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro remains the top candidate to succeed CEO Bob Iger, according to a recent report from Bloomberg.
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A new report from Bloomberg suggests the internal search for Bob Iger’s successor as Disney CEO is rapidly narrowing.
Earlier this year, the competition was believed to be among four high-level executives: Josh D’Amaro (Chairman of Disney Experiences), Dana Walden (Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment), Alan Bergman (Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment), and Jimmy Pitaro (Chairman of ESPN and Sports Content). D’Amaro had already been reported to be in the “pole position” among this group.
However, the field has since become smaller. Pitaro has reportedly indicated he is no longer interested in the role, and in its latest update, Bloomberg describes the contest as a “two-horse race” primarily between D’Amaro and Walden, with Bergman now viewed as a “long shot.”
Despite the official succession process being ongoing, Bloomberg reports that Josh D’Amaro remains the most likely outcome. The article highlights a moment where CEO Bob Iger reportedly “bristled” after a dining partner suggested D’Amaro “will do a great job when he’s appointed CEO.” This incident underscores a key finding: a “growing consensus” among many Disney executives, former executives, and industry leaders who now believe D’Amaro “will succeed Iger” when the new CEO is named early next year.
Josh D’Amaro remains a leading candidate for the CEO role largely because his division, Disney Experiences, is the company’s biggest moneymaker. Through the first nine months of fiscal 2025, the division’s profit reached $8.12 billion, which is one-third more than Disney’s combined earnings from TV, film, streaming, and sports operations. D’Amaro’s purview is also driving future growth, as it includes the upcoming Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi and the company’s significant $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games (creators of Fortnite).
Josh D’Amaro is also favored for his deep “understanding of Disney’s culture,” having been with the company for decades—a contrast to Dana Walden, who joined in 2019 following the Fox acquisition. Internally, D’Amaro is gaining momentum: attendees described his vision for the company’s future, presented alongside the other three divisional leaders, as “especially inspiring.”
The search for Iger’s replacement is being led by Morgan Stanley Chairman James P. Gorman, who was later elected Chairman of Disney’s Board. Disney plans to officially announce the successor in early 2026, allowing for a smooth, year-long transition period before Bob Iger’s contract concludes in December of that year.
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