It seems that we may find out who will be CEO after Bob Iger as early as next week, according to “sources” at the New York Times. We knew that the announcement would likely be in February, ahead of the Walt Disney Company’s annual board meeting. Now it looks like it could come sooner, rather than later.
In a recent article, The Times said, “Disney’s board is expected to choose Mr. Iger’s successor in the next week, according to two people with knowledge of the plans, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private process.”
Who could be named?
It mostly comes down to two people – Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden, with many hoping and predicting that D’Amaro will get the position.
Josh D’Amaro
Many Parks fans and investors want Josh D’Amaro to be named the next CEO.
He has been with the Walt Disney Company for over 27 years. He heads up the biggest part of the company and the largest growth driver for Disney–Parks and Experiences. This includes all the theme parks, games, merchandise, Disney Cruise Lines, and more.
Disney has been investing heavily in Disney Cruise Lines and video gaming. D’Amaro would be best suited to move on to the CEO position.
Dana Walden
Walden came to the Walt Disney Company with the purchase of Fox’s assets in 2019.
She is currently a co-chairman of Disney Entertainment along with Alan Bergman. Her duties involve shows and streaming, which is another area Disney is trying to expand into.
Walden is known in Hollywood, while D’Amaro is not, which could also give her an edge.
Why Not Both?
Of course, there is also speculation that the pair could be named co-CEOs, as Lucasfilm and Netflix have. Reports indicated that Bob Iger talked to one of the Netflix co-CEOs about the process months ago.
This outcome is less likely, but it would make sense as Walden could continue to run theatrical and streaming, while D’Amaro could run everything else. This way, each one could excel in their very different industries.
The Walt Disney Company is much larger than it was when Iger came into it in 2005, and a shared position could make it more manageable.
Will Bob Iger Finally Leave?
No matter who gets chosen, the issue of Iger still looms over the whole affair.
He left once, and reports have indicated that he would not let go of control and even tried to do things to undermine Bob Chapek when he wouldn’t continue being Iger 2.0. Iger and Walden are friends, and she is credited with being a big player in his return. D’Amaro has the same job that Bob Chapek had before he became the CEO. Will Iger actually allow either one to do their job?
D’Amaro Seems To Be the Frontrunner
It seems that most of the large investment groups believe D’Amaro will be named CEO. I hope they are right because Walden being CEO doesn’t seem like a good idea. Co-CEO, maybe, but not alone.
I kind of hope they announce it on Monday, which is Groundhog Day. We can learn if it will be 6 more years of winter or an early spring.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
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