Bob Iger’s Unexpected Outburst Over Josh D’Amaro’s CEO Prospects

For months now, Disney fans and industry insiders have speculated about who will succeed Bob Iger as the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company. With Iger’s extended contract set to conclude at the end of 2026, the clock is ticking for the company to decide on a leader who can guide Disney into the next era.

Among the names frequently mentioned as potential successors is Josh D’Amaro, the current chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. D’Amaro’s leadership within Disney’s most profitable division, coupled with his visible presence within the parks, has made him a standout candidate for the role.

Related: Josh D’Amaro Accidentally Confirms Disney Regrets Closing Splash Mountain

However, recent reports suggest that Iger’s feelings about D’Amaro’s possible appointment may not be as clear-cut as expected. Despite D’Amaro’s impressive track record and widespread speculation that he is the front-runner, Iger has shown a level of resistance to the idea. This has sparked curiosity about the former CEO’s true stance on the matter, especially as discussions regarding the future of Disney continue to heat up.

Bob Iger, who served as Disney’s CEO for 15 years before stepping down in 2020, made headlines when he returned to the top spot just two years later after the firing of his successor, Bob Chapek. Iger’s leadership during the tumultuous period of the pandemic was pivotal in guiding Disney through closures, layoffs, and shifts in strategy.

But now, with the end of his contract on the horizon, the focus has turned to his decision-making process in selecting his successor.

Related: Michael Eisner Drops Bombshell Critique of Bob Iger’s Leadership Amid Jimmy Kimmel Chaos

The Struggles of Bob Chapek’s Tenure

Before diving into the recent reaction from Iger, it’s important to understand the context of his prior decision-making. Back in February 2020, Iger shocked the Disney community by announcing he would step down as CEO, handing the reins to Bob Chapek, who was then the Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. Chapek, a seasoned Disney executive, was quickly thrust into the spotlight at a time when the company’s fortunes were about to be tested in an unprecedented way.

As the pandemic began to spread, Chapek faced a series of challenges that no one could have anticipated. Within a month of taking over, he had to manage the shuttering of every Disney theme park and halt production on nearly all Disney and television projects. These initial setbacks, combined with Chapek’s struggles to win over Disney fans and shareholders, led to a tumultuous tenure at the helm.

Related: Fans Once Again Prove Bob Chapek Knew NOTHING About Disney

By November 2022, Chapek was out of a job, and Bob Iger was brought back to lead Disney through a time of recovery. Iger agreed to stay on as CEO for two years but later extended his contract through 2026, a move that gave him ample time to reflect on what had gone wrong with Chapek’s leadership and prepare for his eventual departure.

Who Will Take the Reins?

As Iger approaches the end of his second stint as CEO, speculation about who will take over has reached a fever pitch. The names of several prominent Disney executives have circulated in the press, but Josh D’Amaro has consistently been mentioned as one of the top contenders.

D’Amaro has long been a respected figure within Disney, especially due to his role in overseeing the parks, which have become Disney’s most profitable division.

Related: Disney Fans Concerned About Josh D’Amaro’s Possible Promotion to CEO

Under his leadership, Disney Parks have rebounded from the pandemic-related closures, and the expansion of new attractions and resorts has proven successful. D’Amaro is also seen as a charismatic leader who connects well with Disney fans, frequently visiting the parks and engaging with guests.

However, despite his qualifications, it seems that Bob Iger remains hesitant to fully endorse D’Amaro’s ascension to the top role.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Iger had a somewhat unexpected reaction when the subject of D’Amaro as the next CEO came up during a recent conversation.

Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger was chatting at the Farmshop restaurant in Santa Monica, California, a couple weeks ago when the conversation turned tense.

His breakfast partner suggested Josh D’Amaro, head of Disney’s theme-parks division, “will do a great job when he’s appointed CEO.” Iger bristled, according to a person who witnessed the exchange. He raised his voice, saying the board hadn’t made a decision and that he had “no idea” where that notion was coming from.

The Growing Debate

The tension surrounding the potential CEO appointment has sparked a wider debate among Disney fans and analysts. Many are questioning whether it would be wise to appoint another individual from within Disney’s Parks division, given that Bob Chapek’s tenure was marked by struggles in managing the company as a whole.

Some worry that D’Amaro, while undoubtedly skilled in managing Disney’s theme parks, may not possess the broader vision needed to navigate the complexities of the company’s media, entertainment, and technology arms.

D’Amaro’s rise within Disney has certainly made him a well-known and highly visible figure, but his experience outside the parks division has been limited. Some speculate that the board may opt for a more diverse leadership background, possibly looking to other candidates like Dana Walden or Alan Bergman, who have more experience in the entertainment and media sectors.

Iger has made it clear that he does not want to make the same mistake he made with Chapek. The former CEO has reportedly been heavily involved in the search for his successor, with a focus on ensuring that the right individual is chosen for the job. As he works to navigate these internal challenges, the pressure is mounting on Iger to make a decision that will have a lasting impact on Disney’s future.

As the clock ticks down to the eventual announcement of Disney’s next CEO, one thing is clear: The future of Disney is as uncertain as ever, and the stakes have never been higher. The right leader will need to balance the needs of Disney’s vast empire, from theme parks and media properties to streaming platforms and beyond.

Do you think Josh D’Amaro would be a good pick for Disney’s next CEO? What do you think Bob Iger’s reaction to the expectation that Mr. D’Amaro will get the CEO job says about the future of Disney? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!