The Walt Disney Company has long been a powerhouse of entertainment, but it’s no stranger to change. With a legacy spanning over a century, the company has continually evolved to meet new challenges and opportunities. As 2025 approaches, industry insiders are buzzing with predictions about major shifts within Disney’s leadership, particularly regarding the future of its CEO and top executives.
While 2024 brought notable achievements, including Disney’s remarkable recovery at the box office, it wasn’t without controversy. The company made headlines for the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a reimagined version of Splash Mountain, which sparked divisive opinions among fans.
Related: The Rise and Fall of Disneyland’s Splash Mountain Retheme
On a brighter note, Disney became the only studio to surpass $2 billion at the domestic box office and was the first to hit $5 billion globally post-pandemic, thanks to blockbuster hits like Inside Out 2 and Moana 2.
Yet, with CEO Bob Iger extending his tenure through 2026, speculation about his eventual successor has taken center stage. As the transition to new leadership looms, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Disney.
The Leadership Question: Who Will Succeed Bob Iger?
Bob Iger’s return to Disney in 2022 marked a critical moment for the company. Tasked with stabilizing the ship after Bob Chapek’s controversial tenure, Iger was initially set to stay through 2024. However, his contract extension until 2026 suggests that Disney wants to ensure a seamless handover to the next CEO.
Related: Bob Iger “Obsessed” With Avoiding Another Bob Chapek Mistake
Despite this, some experts believe Iger may step down earlier than expected, potentially announcing his successor in 2025.
In a recent report, CNBC highlighted Dana Walden, Disney Entertainment’s co-chair, as a top contender for the role. The report stated:
Disney has already said it plans to delay naming a new CEO until early 2026, so this prediction assumes the company will slightly move up the announcement. Walden, Disney’s co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, is the ultimate Hollywood insider who many view as the front-runner for the job. The board is taking its time vetting candidates after the handoff from Iger to Bob Chapek in 2020 did not go very well.
A second executive posited that NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios chairman Donna Langley will be considered for the job as a challenge to Walden and other internal candidates.
Related: Dana Walden Praises Bob Chapek and Peter Rice As She Takes Over For Fired Rice
Walden’s extensive experience and reputation as a powerhouse executive have positioned her as a leading candidate. However, industry speculation suggests she may leave Disney if she’s not selected for the top spot. This would mark a significant loss for the company, given her pivotal role in shaping Disney’s entertainment strategy.
Other Contenders in the Running
Walden isn’t the only name being floated as a potential successor. Alan Bergman, her co-chair in Disney Entertainment, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro, and ESPN head Jimmy Pitaro are also reportedly in the mix. There’s even speculation that Disney might look outside the company for its next leader, with NBCUniversal Entertainment Chairwoman Donna Langley emerging as a potential wildcard candidate.
The decision is not one the board is taking lightly. With Disney’s centennial celebration fresh in memory, choosing the right leader to guide the company into the next century is critical. The board’s cautious approach reflects lessons learned from previous transitions, particularly the rocky shift from Iger to Chapek.
Fans and Experts Weigh In
As speculation grows, fans and industry watchers alike have weighed in on the decision. Many see the potential for Walden to become Disney’s first female CEO as an exciting and historic milestone. Others believe an outsider might bring the fresh perspective needed to navigate the company’s complex challenges.
Who do you think should take the reins when Bob Iger steps down? Should Disney choose someone from within its ranks or look outside for new ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
