Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger has reportedly informed close associates that he plans to step down from his role before his current contract expires on December 31, 2026. Iger led Disney from 2005 to 2020 before returning in late 2022 amid turmoil following his handpicked successor Bob Chapek’s ouster. He has expressed a desire to “pull back from daily management” and focus on personal pursuits. Sources close to Iger cite his interest in spending more time with family, possibly including activities like sailing, as key motivators for an earlier-than-planned exit.
Disney’s board of directors, chaired by former Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman, is expected to convene next week to vote on Iger’s replacement. The company had previously signaled it would name a new CEO in early 2026, with Iger staying on through the year to ensure a smooth transition. Recent reports suggest the announcement could come imminently, potentially coinciding with upcoming financial updates.
The succession race appears to have narrowed to internal candidates. Leading contenders include:
- Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences (overseeing theme parks, resorts, and consumer products). Many industry observers view him as the frontrunner, given his deep operational roots in the company’s core “experiential” businesses and family ties to Disney legacy (his father was a longtime executive).
- Dana Walden, Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment, has been a prominent figure in content strategy and television operations.
Other names like ESPN head Jimmy Pitaro and entertainment co-head Alan Bergman have surfaced in discussions, but the focus remains on D’Amaro and Walden as the primary internal options.
As Disney stands at this crossroads, the choice of the next leader will shape the company’s trajectory in an increasingly competitive media landscape—balancing blockbuster franchises, theme park innovation, streaming growth, and evolving audience expectations. For now, the entertainment world watches closely for the board’s decision in the coming days.