Bob Iger Is To Be Replaced and a New CEO for Disney Is Set To Be Announced in Early 2026

Iger was named president of Disney in 2000 and succeeded Michael Eisner as CEO in 2005 until his contract expired in 2020. He then was executive chairman until his formal retirement from the company on December 31, 2021. After his exit from the company, Iger continued as an advisor to his successor.

However, at the request of Disney’s board of directors, Iger returned to Disney as CEO on November 20, 2022, following the unscheduled and immediate dismissal of his appointed successor, Bob Chapek. In July 2023, Disney renewed Iger’s contract until 2026.

Now, Disney’s board plans to announce a new CEO to replace Bob Iger in early 2026, but speculation about who it might be has already started.

The company hired headhunting firm Heidrick & Struggles to find candidates from outside Disney, and they’ve identified three potential choices, including Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson, according to the Wall Street Journal. Variety confirmed Wilson is being considered, though the search is still in its early stages. Disney and EA representatives declined to comment.

In October, Disney named James Gorman as chairman of the board’s CEO search committee, starting January 2, 2025. He will replace Nike’s Mark Parker. The committee aims to announce a new CEO by early 2026, suggesting Disney is open to candidates beyond its current top division leaders: Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, Jimmy Pitaro, and Josh D’Amaro.

Wilson, from Australia, has been CEO of EA since 2013 and previously led EA Sports and EA’s digital PC services. In 2018, he interviewed for ESPN’s top job, which ultimately went to Pitaro. He also discussed a possible deal to sell EA to Disney while Bob Chapek was CEO, but no agreement was reached.

Gorman, Morgan Stanley’s executive chairman, will step down from that role on December 31, 2024. He recently led Morgan Stanley’s own CEO transition process. In August, Disney appointed him to lead its CEO search, taking over from Parker.

Gorman stated last month that appointing a new CEO is a key goal, with the timing giving the board enough time for a smooth transition before Iger’s contract ends in December 2026.

CEO succession has been a controversial topic at Disney, highlighted by a lengthy proxy battle led by investor Nelson Peltz. Peltz argued that Disney’s board mishandled succession planning when it backed Chapek, Iger’s initial choice in 2020. The board removed Chapek in November 2022, bringing Iger back. Peltz eventually lost his bid for board seats and reportedly sold all his Disney shares earlier this year.

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