Disney Says Goodbye to CEO Bob Iger, New CEO Crowned in Months

In a matter of months, The Walt Disney Company will undergo one of its most consequential leadership changes in decades. As confirmed by Disney’s board, the company is on track to announce Bob Iger’s successor as Chief Executive Officer in early 2026—a moment that will define the future direction of one of the world’s most iconic entertainment empires.

For fans, investors, and employees alike, the timing couldn’t be more pivotal. With D23—Disney’s signature fan event—scheduled for August 14–16, 2026, many are wondering: who will be standing center stage when the company’s next big creative era is unveiled? The clock is ticking, and with only months remaining before the decision is expected, the fate of the company hangs in the balance.

Why This Succession Matters More Than Ever

Bob Iger’s current contract runs through December 2026. After returning to the role in 2022 to stabilize the company following Bob Chapek’s rocky tenure, Iger was expected to lead a swift and strategic succession plan. Now, after nearly four years back at the helm, Disney’s board says it will name the next CEO in early 2026—giving the successor ample time to transition before Iger departs.

But this is more than just a changing of the guard. This leadership handoff comes during a transformative era. Disney is balancing a shaky streaming market, theatrical uncertainty, theme park expansion, international investment, and increasing political pressure.

The decision of who leads next is not just a boardroom detail—it will shape how Disney tells stories, how it innovates, and how it navigates its business through the next generation of change.

New Leadership at the Board Level

To guide this delicate transition, Disney has named James P. Gorman—former CEO and current Executive Chairman of Morgan Stanley—as the new Chairman of Disney’s Board of Directors, effective January 2, 2025. Gorman was appointed head of Disney’s Succession Planning Committee in August and will continue to oversee the process as Chairman, replacing outgoing Chair Mark G. Parker.

While Gorman may be a relative newcomer to Disney’s inner workings, he brings a reputation for methodical and efficient succession planning. The financial world has praised his strategic leadership at Morgan Stanley, where he successfully navigated leadership transitions and long-term growth.

But Disney, as a deeply creative company, is a very different beast. The question remains whether Gorman’s corporate pedigree will result in a choice that blends business acumen with the company’s storytelling soul.

The Contenders: Who’s in the Running?

All signs point to the decision coming down to four internal executives, each representing a different facet of Disney’s empire:

• Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, oversees the theme parks, cruise lines, merchandise, and more.

• Dana Walden, Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment, leads content for television and streaming.

• Alan Bergman, Walden’s counterpart, focuses primarily on film.

• Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, is responsible for Disney’s sports portfolio.

Among the four, Josh D’Amaro appears to be emerging as the fan-favorite and internal frontrunner. His visibility has grown exponentially in recent months, often representing the company in high-profile investor presentations and public events. At the most recent MoffettNathanson investor conference, it was D’Amaro—not Iger or a studio head—who served as Disney’s spokesperson, fielding questions about the parks, guest experience, and long-term vision.

Many see this as a clear signal that D’Amaro is being groomed for the top job.

D’Amaro: Parks Leader or Future CEO?

D’Amaro’s background is rooted in the division many longtime Disney fans hold closest to their hearts: theme parks. As Chairman of Disney Experiences, he has overseen both the post-pandemic recovery of Disney’s global parks and the planning of major expansion projects, including new lands teased at recent D23 expos.

Supporters argue that he understands not just Disney’s creative output, but the connection between guests and storytelling.

Critically, D’Amaro is viewed by many Cast Members and colleagues as someone who “gets” Disney—from its creative ethos to the operational realities of a parks-first experience. He’s been described as approachable, thoughtful, and fiercely loyal to the company’s heritage.

There’s also a strategic advantage to choosing someone like D’Amaro: continuity. If he takes the reins, many of the initiatives already in motion—such as the rumored “Villains Land” at Magic Kingdom or the long-anticipated expansion of Disney California Adventure—are more likely to proceed without disruption.

A studio or ESPN-centric executive might deprioritize parks in favor of other assets. D’Amaro, insiders believe, wouldn’t.

Walden and Bergman: Studio Strengths, Political Concerns

While Dana Walden brings deep Hollywood relationships and years of experience, her background lies primarily in content and television. That would be a natural fit for a company still navigating the streaming wars, but less so for a brand defined by its legacy across multiple verticals.

Walden’s political ties—including a longstanding friendship with Vice President Kamala Harris—have sparked private concern among some board members and investors, especially in the current political climate where Disney has faced increasing scrutiny over its social and corporate positions.

Alan Bergman, for his part, is viewed as highly capable, but far less visible than Walden or D’Amaro. His work at Disney Studios has been steady, but he lacks the public-facing presence that often comes with the top job.

A Defining Moment Just Months Away

All eyes are now on early 2026. If Disney stays true to its current timeline, the next CEO will be known months before D23 takes place in August. That sets up a symbolic and very public debut opportunity: the new CEO unveiling Disney’s next decade of storytelling on the biggest fan stage in the world.

Will it be Josh D’Amaro, continuing the legacy of Walt’s original parks-first vision? Or will the board choose a content-focused leader, signaling a pivot toward streaming, media, and digital growth?

Whoever steps into Bob Iger’s shoes will inherit not just a company, but a legacy—and a complex web of challenges that require a steady, imaginative, and future-forward hand.

Make no mistake: Disney’s next CEO will not just lead a company. They will shape a culture, steer billions of dollars in development, and set the course for the most beloved brand on Earth. The next few months won’t just reveal who that person is—but what Disney is becoming.