The Mouse House is closing in on its next royal appointment. According to recent statements from Disney’s Board of Directors, the company’s next CEO will be announced in early 2026—just ahead of that year’s D23 Expo, which is scheduled to take place August 14–16 in Anaheim.
It’s a strategic timeline. Disney’s most loyal fans will be in the spotlight at D23, and having a brand-new CEO on stage—smiling, waving, and maybe teasing the next billion-dollar park expansion—would set the tone for the company’s next era. The current CEO, Bob Iger, remains under contract until December 31, 2026, but the board has made it clear: the transition process is well underway.
Why This Actually Matters (More Than You Think)
Yes, it’s corporate news. Yes, it’s behind-the-scenes. But don’t sleep on this: who becomes CEO next will shape everything from your park ticket prices to whether or not you ever see that long-rumored “Villains Land” at Magic Kingdom.
This isn’t just about Wall Street. This is about creative vision, investment in the parks, Disney+ strategy, and yes—even the number of Mickey-shaped food items hitting menus in 2027. A leadership change this big can shift everything.
The Man with the Plan: James Gorman Takes the Helm of the Board
Helping guide this process is James Gorman, who will become Chairman of the Disney Board in January 2025. Gorman may not be a name theme park fans recognize, but he’s no newbie in the business world—he’s currently the Executive Chairman of Morgan Stanley and is already leading Disney’s Succession Planning Committee.
He’s replacing Mark G. Parker, who you may remember was part of the Bob Chapek vs. Bob Iger back-and-forth that turned into a corporate soap opera for a hot minute. Gorman will now be steering the ship as Disney figures out who takes Iger’s seat for good.
Meet the Final Four: Who’s Actually in the Running?
There are four major names still standing as Disney’s succession race narrows. All of them are internal contenders, which means they know the company—but each brings a different flavor:
Josh D’Amaro
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Title: Chairman of Disney Experiences (parks, cruises, consumer products)
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Vibe: Parks guy. Charismatic. Guest-friendly.
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Why He’s a Big Deal: D’Amaro has become the public face of the parks division and a fan favorite for many Cast Members. He shows up. He smiles. He gets it. His division also happens to be Disney’s current profit engine.
Dana Walden
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Title: Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment
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Vibe: Studio pro. Polished. Network-savvy.
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Why She’s a Contender: She knows content, and in a media-driven company, that still matters. Her name keeps surfacing in succession reports.
Alan Bergman
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Title: Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment
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Vibe: Behind-the-scenes strategist.
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Why He’s In: Deep experience in film production and long Disney tenure, but less publicly visible than the others.
Jimmy Pitaro
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Title: Chairman of ESPN
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Vibe: Sports executive. Clean track record.
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Why He’s Possible: ESPN remains a cash cow, and Pitaro has kept it relevant, especially with recent live sports and betting integration.
All Eyes on Josh D’Amaro
Among the four, Josh D’Amaro has quietly emerged as the fan favorite and top internal candidate. Not only is he regularly out in the parks meeting guests, but he’s also one of the few executives who bridges the emotional side of Disney with the business.
D’Amaro has overseen the largest expansion plans since Iger’s return—including ambitious projects teased at recent D23 events. While some insiders question his list of completed projects (most were set in motion before his tenure), others argue that’s more about Disney’s shifting budget priorities than D’Amaro’s own capabilities.
Even more compelling? If D’Amaro takes the reins, the transition would feel like a continuation of Iger’s strategy—rather than a cold reboot. He gets what Disney means to its fans, and more importantly, he seems willing to defend and invest in the parks, even during tough financial times.
What Could Be at Risk?
Let’s be real: a new CEO could mean the difference between Villains Land being greenlit or quietly shelved. If D’Amaro takes the role, projects like new Magic Kingdom expansions or the long-hyped Avatar experience at Disneyland are likely safe. But if someone from the entertainment side steps in—say Walden or Bergman—those initiatives might be re-evaluated, delayed, or even dropped.
The parks are not just moneymakers—they’re the company’s creative heartbeat. Whether the next CEO embraces that will determine if your next trip is filled with new lands or just more churros and cost cuts.
What Happens Between Now and 2026?
With over a year until the expected announcement, Disney’s leadership team will be going through more formal interviews, strategy sessions, and internal evaluations. It’s possible that someone outside this “Final Four” emerges—but for now, insiders say the list is holding steady.
Meanwhile, Iger continues to lead through what many view as his final act. After stepping down in 2020 and then coming back in 2022 (in dramatic fashion), he now has one clear mission: leave Disney with a strong successor and avoid another Chapek-style misfire.
This time, the process appears more careful. More deliberate. And more focused on long-term stability.
What’s Next?
Expect buzz to pick up in mid-2025, as D23 approaches and Disney starts laying the groundwork for the transition. The announcement might hit before spring 2026—but no later than summer, according to board insiders.
If you’re heading to D23 that year, prepare to see the next CEO introduced with all the Disney pomp you’d expect. Think: fireworks, buzzwords, and big promises about the “next 100 years.”
The future of Disney is hanging in the balance. This isn’t just about one man (or woman) taking over a title. It’s about deciding whether Disney keeps charging forward with creative ambition—or starts playing it safe.
Whether you’re a parks loyalist, a streaming subscriber, or someone who just wants the return of Figment meet-and-greets, the next CEO will impact your Disney experience in real ways.
One thing’s certain: whoever steps into Iger’s shoes will have a towering legacy to follow—and a fanbase watching every move.
