Disney CEO Succession Race Narrows to Two Final Candidates
The Walt Disney Company is getting closer to naming a successor to CEO Bob Iger, and reports say the race is now down to two top contenders.
(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
According to Bloomberg News, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, is considered the frontrunner and is the favorite over Dana Walden, Disney Entertainment co-chair.
D’Amaro vs Walden
Bob Iger returned as CEO in 2022 after Bob Chapek’s short tenure and has said he plans to step down once his contract ends in early 2026.
Photo: Getty
Initially, the shortlist included four names: D’Amaro, Walden, ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro, and Walden’s co-Chair Alan Bergman.
Walden’s chances may have been hurt by her role in the decision to suspend late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, which angered some shareholders. Reports now describe Pitaro and Bergman as being long shots.
(Photo by Adam Kissick/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images)
D’Amaro’s advantage comes from his success leading Disney Experiences, which includes theme parks, cruise lines, and consumer products.
The division has been Disney’s most profitable section. Generating $8.12 billion in profit in the first nine months of fiscal 2025, this is more than TV, film, streaming, and sports combined.
Photo: JIM CARCHIDI
Disney has committed $60 billion over the next decade for expansions across its resorts, new cruise ships, and its first licensed park in the Middle East.
D’Amaro also oversees Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, maker of Fortnite.
Rumors and Speculation
(Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Vox Media)
Despite the speculation and comments, Iger himself has resisted talk that a decision has been made.
At a recent breakfast in California, someone commented that D’Amaro “will do a great job when he’s appointed CEO.” Iger reportedly “bristled” and said the board had not made a choice yet.
(Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images)
Insiders note that D’Amaro, a nearly 30-year Disney veteran, knows the company culture deeply, while Walden only joined in 2019.
For now, Disney fans and shareholders are waiting to see who will take over one of the most high-profile jobs in entertainment once Iger’s contract ends.
Photo: @joshdamaro
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Article Source/Feature Photo: NY Post/ Disney
