Disney Is Reportedly Auditioning Potential Candidates For The CEO Position

Disney is preparing for another pivotal leadership transition as longtime CEO Bob Iger plans to retire—this time permanently—in December 2026. Iger has guided Disney for most of the last 20 years, briefly stepping away once before ultimately returning to steady the company through challenging times. Now, he’s assured that he’s ready to pass the baton. His reluctance last time led to stories of conflict with his first successor Bob Iger.

Bloomberg reports that candidates are being “auditioned” for the job.

Though internal candidates have not officially auditioned for the role, recent public appearances by key Disney executives have placed the spotlight squarely on possible successors. Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden recently addressed investors at a Morgan Stanley conference, emphasizing the profitability of Disney’s streaming services—an effort to address concerns about her experience with Wall Street.

Similarly, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, appeared at South by Southwest alongside co-chair Alan Bergman to discuss creativity and collaboration. This public appearance helped to broaden perceptions of D’Amaro beyond his parks experience and highlighted his growing interest in expanding Disney into the gaming industry.

However, D’Amaro and Walden have previously made public appearances as part of their jobs. This isn’t new, especially for Josh D’Amaro, who regularly gives Disney Parks presentations at events like the D23 Expo.

Disney is said to be still looking at internal candidates first.

According to insiders familiar with Disney’s succession plans, the board is focusing on internal candidates, including Walden, D’Amaro, Bergman, and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. Although Pitaro has indicated he’s not interested in the role and Bergman has typically been viewed as less of a contender, Walden and D’Amaro stand out as front-runners.

The time to find a successor is shrinking, fueling speculation that the board might consider external candidates.

Though headhunters are reportedly evaluating options from outside the company, sources emphasize that no formal interviews with external candidates, such as Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson or Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz, have occurred yet.

Many don’t consider either one a viable choice given the current issues with their companies.

Electronic Arts (EA) is currently facing accusations of misleading investors. The company also came under fire for underperformance and accusations of “going woke” with their Dragon Age: The Veilguard game. The company has also seen recent layoffs.

Mattel is also in trouble, laying off 120 workers to cut costs. Hedgefund groups previously wanted American Girl and Fisher-Price sold off due to stock prices declining and stagnation.

The Walt Disney Company board must have a strong justification for either of those candidates to become CEO.

Disney’s Board is reportedly taking a cautious approach to naming a new CEO after Bob Chapek.

This cautious, deliberate approach by Disney’s board, led by former Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman, aims to avoid the succession missteps of the past. Iger’s previous retirements, successor reversals, and eventual return after Bob Chapek’s departure created substantial turbulence within the company.

Gorman, supported by fellow succession committee members Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, and Calvin McDonald, CEO of Lululemon, is firmly steering the selection process. This group has convened seven times in fiscal 2024 alone, signaling that Disney is serious about getting succession right.

With Disney facing increasing competition in streaming, theme parks, and launching a new sports streaming service later this year, the next CEO will significantly influence the company’s strategic direction. As Disney moves toward a critical turning point, the board is keenly aware that the next CEO decision must be the right one. The mistakes of the past can not happen again.