Is Disney’s Next CEO Pick Influenced by a Close Kamala Harris Connection?
After years of turbulent transitions — from Bob Iger’s initial departure in February 2020 to Bob Chapek’s controversial tenure and subsequent dismissal — the return of Iger in November 2022 set the stage for a meticulous succession plan.
Originally set to remain CEO through the end of 2024, Iger’s contract was later extended, and now, with the deadline fast approaching, the hunt for a new CEO is on.
Related: Bob Chapek’s Wife Called Her Husband Bob Iger’s “Lapdog”
Disney’s corporate leadership continues to stir controversy as the company gears up to select its next CEO. With Bob Iger’s extended contract scheduled to conclude at the end of 2026, the race to find a successor is more urgent than ever.
Behind the scenes, boardroom discussions have been heavily influenced by a mix of legacy, corporate strategy, and political connections.
One of the most significant and unexpected factors now in play is the longstanding friendship between potential CEO candidate Dana Walden and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
This connection is now emerging as a potential liability in the eyes of Disney’s board amid an increasingly polarized political climate.
Ms. Walden and Harris have been friends for more than three decades. The former Vice President revealed that Walden and her husband were the ones who arranged a blind date between Harris and Doug Emhoff, who later became her husband.
While many may view such a relationship as a benign personal connection, the current political environment has forced CEO succession discussions to consider whether such personal affiliations might impact the decision-making process.
Related: Trump Administration Sets Sights on Bob Iger in First Strategic Moves
For many on Disney’s succession committee, this long-standing friendship is a double-edged sword that could undermine a candidate’s suitability.
In an analysis from Puck, Matthew Belloni stated:
“I think board chair James Gorman and his succession committee will go with the candidate they believe will best steer the company well beyond the Trump years.”
Belloni further noted the potential implications of Walden’s relationship:
“If that is ultimately Walden – a big if for many reasons more legitimate than a friendship with a politician – I think she gets the nod on the merits, regardless of the short-term political problems Still, Trump is clearly a major concern, and Walden takes a hit because of that.”
This political nuance adds an unexpected twist to the succession process. Dana Walden, along with other names like Alan Bergman, Josh D’Amaro, and Jimmy Pitaro, sits on Iger’s shortlist for the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
However, this personal connection with Harris now looms as a potential disqualifier, or at least a complicating factor, in an already complex selection process.
During Bob Chapek’s tenure, it was widely reported that Bob Iger felt pressured into making a rushed leadership decision—and he later expressed regret for appointing Chapek.
Related: Donald Trump Applauds Former Disney Exec for Opposing “Woke Donald Duck”
This experience has undoubtedly made Iger more cautious about his choice for a successor, emphasizing the need for a candidate who can not only lead Disney through creative and financial challenges but also navigate politically charged waters.
It should be noted that despite the controversy, Dana Walden’s political activities have been relatively measured. While she has not hosted a fundraising event for Kamala Harris since 2022 — when ABC News came under her control—she has made personal political donations.
In 2023, she donated $20,000 to the Democratic Party for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, underscoring her political engagement.
Multiple reports indicate that Disney is expected to announce its new CEO sometime in early 2026.
Should Dana Walden be chosen, she would become the first woman to lead the company in its one-hundred-year history—a historic milestone for Disney.
What do you think? Should political affiliations play a role in selecting Disney’s next CEO? Share your thoughts in the comments!
If she shares the same beliefs as Kamala, then NO!!!!
But if they are friends in spite of their politics, maybe. I have several friends that we do not agree on all of the same political views, but we are still friends.
If Dana Walden gets the nod, sell your Disney stock because she will take Disney corp off the woke cliff and destroy the company. She will ignore the base that spends their money at Disney and further the lefts lunatic woke Hollywood agendas. RIP Walt.