• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 8, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Disney Continues to Slow Play Bob Iger’s Succession Plan

  • Iger delayed his retirement multiple times during his initial 15-year run as Disney CEO.
  • The top four replacement candidates are reportedly Iger’s direct reports.
Feb 13, 2023; Beverly Hills, CA, USA; Disney CEO Bob Iger arrives at the 95th Oscars nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.
Dan MacMedan-Imagn Images

Bob Iger’s successor won’t be getting named anytime soon. 

Disney announced Monday it will name its new chief executive in “early 2026,” and it said former Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman will replace Mark Parker as board chairman effective Jan. 2, 2025. Parker is executive chairman of Nike.

Choosing Iger’s successor has been a top priority for the company since its previous succession turmoil. Iger’s contract expires at the end of 2026. 

In August, Gorman was named head of Disney’s succession planning. Iger, who returned to run Disney in 2022 after initially stepping away from the company in 2020, postponed retirement multiple times during his first run as CEO, which spanned 15 years. Bob Chapek succeeded Iger as CEO in early 2020, but he was fired about two years later. 

In an interview at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in November 2023, Iger said he was “definitely going to step down” at the end of his current contract. Iger is 73 and the 2026 timeline could simply be a punt on succession talks to avoid them becoming a distraction, at least for now. 

The top four candidates reportedly vying to succeed Iger are his direct reports: Disney television executive Dana Walden, theme parks and resorts chairman Josh D’Amaro, movie chief Alan Bergman, and ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro. The Disney board said on Monday external candidates are also being considered. NBA commissioner Adam Silver was reportedly a candidate to succeed Iger in March 2023, but he said he has “no intention of going anywhere” when asked about it. 

While announcing a specific timeline for the CEO decision adds a bit of clarity to the process, the question of whom Iger’s successor will be is going to loom over the company for at least a year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Chad Ochocinco

Shannon Sharpe, Chad Ochocinco Settle $20 Million Defamation Suit 

It’s the second multimillion-dollar lawsuit Sharpe has settled in recent weeks.

WNBA Struggling to Prevent Repeat Dildo Incidents

The league appears to have no answers to the copycats plaguing games.
Tennessee Volunteers forward Igor Miličić Jr. (7) guards Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) during the second half of a game Sunday, March 30, 2025, during the Elite Eight round of the NCAA March Madness tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Houston defeated Tennessee 69-50.

Sportsbooks Still Hesitant to Dive Into Prediction Markets

Sports betting giants are all monitoring the controversial space.
Etienne

A ‘College Football RedZone’ Is an ESPN Gold Mine—in Theory

The network would have to strike new deals with its rivals.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

Junior Bridgeman Was the Prototype for Business Success After Sports

He started with Wendy’s franchises, later expanding into bottling, magazines, and more.
August 14, 2024

Rob Manfred’s Decade As MLB Commissioner, and What Comes Next

Manfred has presided over a period of change in MLB.
August 28, 2024

ESPN’s Pitaro: RSN Turmoil An Opportunity to Expand Local Game Coverage

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro highlights a fast-developing regional content strategy.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
August 8, 2024

Mets Business President: MLB Has Not Marketed Its Stars Enough

Scott Havens says there are only two “faces of baseball.”
April 5, 2024

‘Baseless Corporate Conspiracy’: Hedge Fund Heats Up Feud Between NBA Owners

The Mat Ishbia–Dan Gilbert feud has exploded into view this week.
March 25, 2024

Tony Clark Appears to Be Winning Fight Over Baseball’s Union

Some players had recently called for the removal of Clark’s top negotiator.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young hugs team owner David Tepper on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
November 27, 2023

David Tepper’s Reign Marred by Firings

Between the Panthers and Charlotte FC, Tepper has fired five head coaches.