Several new media reports suggest that Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro will become the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company. The Board of Directors is expected to meet this week for a vote on his appointment. In addition, current Disney CEO Bob Iger is expected to step down early. Here’s the latest.
Josh D’Amaro Overwhelming Favorite for Next CEO
According to a report from Bloomberg, the Board of Directors is “aligning on promoting theme-park division chairman Josh D’Amaro to the role of chief executive officer”. The report from Bloomberg says that a vote is scheduled to take place this week.
Bloomberg cautions that “the board could still change its mind”.
Bloomberg obtained a comment from a Disney spokesperson, saying that “The board has not yet selected the next CEO of the Walt Disney Co. and once that decision is made, we will announce it”.
Iger Eyes Early Exit
Separately, a report from the Wall Street Journal says that current Disney CEO Bob Iger plans to step down ahead of the end of his CEO contract on December 31, 2026.
The WSJ report aligns with the Bloomberg report in saying that the Board of Directors is expected to vote on the next CEO this week. It’s unclear when an announcement would be made should D’Amaro get the nod. Regardless, Iger reportedly wants to give his successor a “fresh start,” and that lingering until the end of the year would hinder whomever the board picks to lead the company going forward.
The report says that Iger has had private conversations with people close to him that he is ready to move on from the grind of being CEO. Iger was reportedly frustrated by conflicts at Disney’s ABC network over the brief suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
The WSJ goes on to say that Iger has told multiple associates that he would like to spend more of his time and energy on other things, such as sailing his new and larger superyacht, the Aquarius—which was completed and delivered to him last summer. Iger would also like to devote more time to work with his wife, Willow Bay, dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and on Angel City FC, the women’s soccer team they bought in 2024.
In terms of when Iger would step down, that’s not immediately clear. The report says that Iger is expected to remain in the CEO role for several months after the company announces who will succeed him so that he can mentor the new leader.
An announcement has not yet been made by The Walt Disney Company, but with media reports filling the air with smoke, a fire appears to be nearby.
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