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Disney Poised to Name Bob Iger’s Successor
After the high-profile failure of Bob Iger’s previous hand-off, Disney cannot afford another succession disaster. As Iger prepares to exit for good at the end of this year, the board has tasked an “outsider” chair to lead a foolproof transition. With a pivotal announcement expected in the coming weeks, Disney aims to secure its future during a uniquely volatile time for the entertainment industry.
Related – Industry Experts Favor Josh D’Amaro as Next Disney CEO
A year ago, former Morgan Stanley chief James P. Gorman took the helm as Disney’s chairman with one clear priority: fixing the succession crisis. The 67-year-old Australian native is a heavy hitter in the corporate world, having revitalized Morgan Stanley before orchestrating a flawless leadership transition of his own in 2024.
According to Wharton School Dean Erika H. James, Gorman is the perfect person for this high-stakes task: “I don’t know that there’s anyone who could have navigated these kinds of leadership transitions better than James… He’s not afraid to do the hard things.”
Four internal heavyweights are currently in the running for the top spot. Josh D’Amaro, a charismatic 27-year veteran and head of the Parks division, is widely considered the front-runner. Wall Street has thrown its support behind him, largely due to his leadership over Disney’s massive $60-billion expansion of its cruise lines and theme parks.
However, Hollywood insiders believe Dana Walden, the powerhouse behind Disney’s TV and streaming success, remains a formidable contender. If chosen, she would make history as the first woman to lead the 102-year-old company. The field is rounded out by movie studio chief Alan Bergman and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
To avoid past mistakes, the board has implemented a rigorous evaluation process through a specialized succession committee. This group—featuring James Gorman, Mary Barra (GM), Calvin McDonald (Lululemon), and Sir Jeremy Darroch (Sky)—is vetting candidates not just on intellect and stamina, but on the “intangibles” needed to navigate a gauntlet of modern hurdles
Selecting a successor to lead a global icon with 230,000 employees is a delicate high-wire act. The board faces a double-edged sword: elevating one internal star risks an exodus of the talented runners-up, forcing leadership to develop aggressive retention strategies for those not chosen.
The incoming CEO must secure Disney’s dominance by fortifying Disney+ and revitalizing powerhouse franchises like Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. Simultaneously, they must execute a massive theme park refresh—including the new Abu Dhabi resort—all while balancing the integration of Artificial Intelligence without eroding the soul of beloved characters like Moana and Winnie the Pooh.
With the stakes higher than ever, Disney is expected to officially name Iger’s successor next month.
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