When Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger parted ways with the company in 2020, he was succeeded by former Parks Chairman Bob Chapek. Unfortunately for Chapek, he had to lead the company through an unprecedented global pandemic and company upheavals, and was quickly replaced by the return of Bob Iger.
Since his return to the company, Iger has been in a bit of a hot seat, facing criticism for comments made during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes while trying to turn around a series of disappointing film releases and competing with the upcoming opening of Epic Universe at the Universal Orlando Resort. As the company nears three years since Iger's return, it is now facing the daunting task of trying to pick his new successor.
With a series of wins at the box office and awards shows and several large-scale projects announced for the theme parks, the Walt Disney Company seems to be back on the up after its struggles since 2020. Now, the problem it faces is which CEO candidate will be able to keep the entertainment giant at the top and continue to bring innovative and exciting changes to the company.
According to Variety, there are two major candidates that could be looking at taking over the company when Iger retires for the second time in 2026. The first is Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, with a focus on the company's television side. The Walt Disney Company has faced struggles in both the box office and its streaming service, Disney+, since 2020, including box office disappointments and fan criticisms. Things have finally started to turn around for the company this year with the release of Inside Out 2 and Deadpool and Wolverine, which could help Walden's chances. However, she reportedly has little experience with the parks and Disney cruise line.
That could be where Josh D'Amaro comes out on top. The current chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products stepped up to the role in 2022 and has become a figurehead for the Disney parks. He is perhaps best known for his appearances at the D23 events over the last few years, revealing upcoming projects and possibilities for the Disney parks around the world. Most recently, D'Amaro announced that Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom would finally be getting the highly-anticipated Villains Land within the next few years.
Although there are other candidates in the ring aside from Walden and D'Amaro, including ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro and co-chairman of entertainment Alan Bergman, the Walt Disney Company isn't likely to take its decision lightly. Given the criticism Disney has faced since the COVID-19 pandemic and Chapek's time leading the company, the decision for the next CEO will surely be a tough one.
This rumored exploration also comes alongside the announcement that Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation, has stepped down from her position. Lee is known for her work on the Frozen franchise, as well as overseeing recent animated hits like Encanto, although she also led the department during its recent disappointments, including Lightyear and Wish. Apparently, the Walt Disney Company is looking to change up its leadership in the coming years.
As the company looks to expand its foothold in other areas of entertainment, including video games and virtual reality, it needs someone at the front who not only understands its legacy but who can also shepherd it into the future. While a decision is still some years away, it is not one to be taken lightly.