A new theory presented by CNBC may be a possible answer to the question “Who will be Disney’s next CEO?” They have postulated that the Walt Disney Board could choose both leading candidates, Dana Walden and Josh D’Amaro, to be co-CEOs, similar to Netflix.
Currently, the decision is said to be between the Disney Parks and Experiences leader Josh D’Amaro and the co-leader of Disney Entertainment Dana Walden. Both have strengths but not across the entire company.
D’Amaro is in charge of the largest revenue driver of the company, while Walden co-chairs the entertainment sector, focusing on the television and shows end. D’Amaro, a long-time Disney employee, knows the legacy side of the company, while Walden understands the newer streaming side.
CNBC’s rumor of a co-CEO situation makes a lot of sense and would ensure both sides of the company have leadership with strong ties to those sectors.
Is Disney considering this?
It’s possible, given that CNBC confirmed Bob Iger discussed the Netflix CEO model with Ted Sarandos last year.
Several other companies have recently adopted the co-CEO model, including Comcast (who own Universal) and Spotify.
Having the two share the role, with each focusing on their own key sector, could improve the company.
When Bob Iger became CEO, Disney wasn’t running streaming services. They didn’t own Pixar, Marvel, or Lucasfilm either. Parks and movies (with some shows) were all he initially dealt with. Now, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, along with the film slate, are more than enough for one CEO to handle. This doesn’t account for the growing theme parks, Disney Cruise Line, experiences, consumer products, and more.
Having two CEOs handling different halves of the company, and the Walt Disney Board overseeing them, may be a way to provide better control and more nuanced decisions for the company. I could see investors loving this idea. CNBC suggested that Bob Iger could return to the Chairman of the Board position and oversee the transition. This would not surprise me.
As long as the two can work together well.
As of now, it’s simply a rumor.
When will Disney announce the new CEO?
An announcement will be made in early 2026.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
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