As Disney moves forward with the critical process of identifying a successor for CEO Bob Iger, the company’s search for leadership has taken on a heightened sense of urgency.
With Iger’s retirement scheduled for 2026, the Walt Disney Company has already made moves to ensure a smooth transition at the top, starting with the appointment of James Gorman as chairman of the board beginning January 2024. Gorman, an executive experienced in leadership transitions, will oversee the search for Iger’s replacement, a task that comes with its own complexities following the troubled tenure of Iger’s previous successor, Bob Chapek.
The Disney board, now led by Gorman, has been conducting interviews with key executives and has begun narrowing its list of potential candidates. Among the most prominent names emerging are Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, co-chairs of Disney Entertainment. Walden, in particular, is seen as the front runner, which would make her the first female CEO in Disney’s 101-year history if chosen.
Despite recent speculation, former Disney executives Tom Staggs and Kevin Mayer—once considered potential successors—are no longer in the running for the top job. Although both have returned to Disney as consultants through their private equity firm, Candle Media, sources close to the company have indicated that neither is being considered as part of the succession planning process.
Dana Walden and Alan Bergman: Disney’s Leading Contenders
The Disney board appears to be focusing its attention on executives from within its creative ranks, with Dana Walden and Alan Bergman emerging as the top contenders for the CEO position.
Walden, who has become one of the most influential figures in Disney’s entertainment operations, brings extensive experience from her tenure overseeing linear networks, streaming, and studio content. She manages some of the company’s most valuable assets, including ABC, Disney+, Hulu, and FX, and has played a key role in shaping Disney’s future in the competitive streaming landscape.
Walden’s leadership has been marked by her ability to bridge the traditional TV business with the rapidly growing direct-to-consumer model, positioning her as a natural choice to steer Disney in an evolving media environment.
Alan Bergman, another strong contender, brings over two decades of experience at Disney, primarily in the film division. Bergman played a pivotal role in Disney’s box-office dominance, overseeing key film franchises from Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Pixar.
His financial and operational expertise has made him an invaluable figure in Disney’s theatrical success, especially during a time when the company is looking to balance traditional content creation with the demands of streaming. Bergman’s focus, however, remains more narrowly aligned with film, while Walden’s broader scope across multiple platforms gives her an edge in the race for the CEO role.
Disney Eliminates Staggs and Mayer from Consideration
Staggs, once a top contender for CEO before leaving Disney in 2016, had extensive experience running Disney’s theme parks and overseeing its financial operations. Despite his return to the company in a consulting role, the board has reportedly ruled him out of the succession race per The Wrap.
Kevin Mayer, known for spearheading the launch of Disney+, as well as overseeing the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, had a brief stint as CEO of TikTok before returning to Disney as a consultant. However, his current involvement with the company has not translated into renewed consideration for the CEO position.
The Importance of Finding the Right Successor
Bob Iger, who returned to the role of CEO in 2022 after the abrupt dismissal of Bob Chapek, has played a critical role in leading Disney through its most successful era. Iger is widely credited with transforming Disney into a global entertainment powerhouse through strategic acquisitions and an emphasis on high-quality content.
Yet, despite Iger’s return, Disney faces significant challenges, including increased competition in streaming, declining linear television revenue, and evolving consumer habits.
The pressure is on for Disney to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, particularly those made during Chapek’s tenure, which was marred by controversies, including Disney’s handling of political issues and public dissatisfaction with the direction of its theme parks and streaming services. Chapek’s departure underscored the importance of aligning the next CEO with Disney’s core creative values and ensuring the company maintains its position as a leader in global entertainment.
A Historic Transition
The search for Iger’s successor is not just a corporate decision but a significant moment for Disney’s future direction. If Dana Walden is chosen, it would mark a historic milestone for the company, breaking the glass ceiling by appointing its first female CEO. Walden’s combination of creative acumen, experience managing both traditional media and digital platforms, and leadership in navigating Disney’s streaming strategy make her a standout choice.
The board, led by Gorman, is expected to continue deliberations into early 2026, extending the timeline originally set for 2025 to ensure the right candidate is selected. Whoever takes the helm at Disney will inherit not only the legacy of one of the most iconic entertainment companies in the world but also the challenges of navigating a rapidly shifting media landscape. As the race narrows, all eyes are on the Walt Disney Company as it embarks on one of the most anticipated CEO transitions in the history of corporate America.
Are you surprised to see these two candidates eliminated from the running of Disney’s CEO?