Disney Expected to Announce New Disney CEO Next Month as Succession Pressure Builds

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The search for a new Disney CEO appears to be nearing its conclusion.

The Walt Disney Company is likely to name its next CEO within the next month, according to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times. This announcement would mark the conclusion of Bob Iger’s current term and the beginning of a new era for the company.

This announcement marks a hugely important change in leadership for Disney, following a period of internal challenges, shifting plans, and increasing demands from investors and dedicated fans.

Bob Iger’s Return Was Always Supposed to be Temporary

As a huge Disney fan, I was definitely surprised when Bob Iger came back as CEO in late 2022, especially after the way Bob Chapek left. It felt less like a planned change and more like they needed someone to quickly steady the ship. Iger’s made it pretty clear, though, that he doesn’t see this as a permanent gig. He’s here to rebuild trust, get the right people in place, and ultimately find someone who can lead Disney forward, because let’s face it, the company is facing some really complicated challenges these days.

That, at least, is the official rhetoric.

Some observers believe Bob Iger didn’t return to Disney to save the company, but rather to regain control. They suggest that his predecessor, Bob Chapek, was set up to take the blame for unpopular choices, and Iger didn’t significantly change course when he came back, making it easier for him to reclaim leadership after stepping down.

Critics argue that the story of a short-term fix hides the fact that Chapek was deliberately made a scapegoat, while Iger returned to power without actually changing the decisions that originally caused the negative reaction.

Since Bob Iger is planning to step down in 2027, Disney’s board is feeling the pressure to ensure a smooth leadership change. Announcing his successor now would allow the company time for a well-managed transition, unlike what happened when Bob Chapek took over.

Leading Contenders for the New Disney CEO Role

Everyone’s been buzzing about who will take over at Disney, and while the company hasn’t officially said anything, a few names keep coming up as the most likely candidates. As a big fan, I’m definitely keeping an eye on who it’ll be!

Josh D’Amaro, who leads Disney’s theme parks, resorts, and cruise line, is a leading contender for the next CEO, according to many in the financial world. He’s been central to Disney’s $60 billion investment in expanding its parks, and is well-liked by both Disney fans and investors. Notably, the division he manages is currently the only consistently profitable part of the Walt Disney Company.

Let’s talk about Dana Walden, because she’s a really key player at Disney. She’s in charge of all things television and streaming, and honestly, that’s where Disney’s future lies. What I find impressive is her background – she’s seen it all, from old-school broadcasting to figuring out how streaming works, and she’s a proven leader. It’s clear Disney is relying on her expertise to navigate what’s next, and I think that’s a smart move.

Many believe Walden’s close friendship with Vice President Kamala Harris could be a weakness for the company, especially given the current political climate under the Trump administration.

Besides Bob Iger, potential CEOs include Alan Bergman, who leads Disney’s movie studios, and Jimmy Pitaro, the chairman of ESPN. Both are experienced leaders, but it’s unclear if any one person could successfully oversee all of Disney’s many businesses on their own.

A Return to the Co-CEO Model?

Some industry insiders are suggesting Disney might go back to having two CEOs, a system that has worked well for them before.

Throughout its history, Disney has often been led by two people working closely together, like Walt and Roy Disney, and later Michael Eisner and Frank Wells. Considering how massive Disney has become – with businesses in theme parks, movies, TV, streaming, sports, games, and merchandise – some think it might be beneficial to return to that type of shared leadership.

Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden are frequently discussed as potentially leading separate areas of Disney – one focused on in-person experiences like theme parks, and the other on content creation for streaming and television. This is currently just speculation, but it highlights the larger issue Disney is grappling with: figuring out the best way to organize its leadership for today’s business.

What the Next Disney CEO Inherits

Whoever becomes the new Disney CEO will inherit a company at a crossroads.

Disney’s theme parks are still the biggest source of profit for the company. However, its movie and TV businesses are facing challenges due to changing viewer preferences, higher production costs, and the unpredictable nature of streaming. ESPN is also dealing with significant long-term issues, and Disney’s overall brand seems less unified as it tries to reach different audiences on various platforms.

The new Disney CEO faces the challenge of restoring confidence, not just with viewers and investors, but also with Disney employees, after a period of frequent leadership changes and inconsistent communication.

A Defining Moment for Disney’s Future

Announcing a new CEO next month would let Disney control the story of its future, instead of constantly responding to events. After ten years of unexpected leadership changes, the company seems determined to show it’s planning for a stable and well-thought-out future.

No matter if Disney appoints one person or tries leading with a team, this choice will significantly impact the company’s future, even after Bob Iger steps down.

The next Disney CEO won’t simply fill a position; their success will reveal what direction the company wants to take in the future.

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2026-01-21 16:58