NEW Report Reveals Most Likely Person To Take Over for Disney CEO Bob Iger

Time is ticking on the search for Disney CEO Bob Iger’s replacement. Iger’s contract expires on December 31st, 2026, and speculation has run rampant about just who might take over as the head of the House of Mouse.

Reports indicate that Disney will announce its next CEO in early 2026, and while many names have been thrown into the ring, many seem to think there’s only one person for the job: current Disney Parks Chair Josh D’Amaro.

Disney hasn’t been too forthcoming in terms of how the CEO search is going, despite previously announcing a strong Succession Planning Committee now led by new Board Chairman James Gorman (former Morgan Stanley chairman). Still, rumors about the succession have been swirling online ever since it was announced that Iger’s contract would expire at the end of 2026.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, there are “real-life Game of Thrones” power struggles going on behind the scenes in Hollywood right now — and that includes at Disney.

Iger’s initial successor transition from 2020 is largely considered to have been a major fumble, which makes this current search “the most watched succession game in town (and maybe even the world).”

As of now, Disney hasn’t indicated or given any hints about who will take over — if the decision has even been made yet — but one of the most popular guesses is Josh D’Amaro, current Chairperson of Disney Parks & Experiences. And, recent sources say that D’Amaro “is now in pole position” to take over once Iger leaves.

His work overseeing Disney’s $60 billion park expansion and partnership with Epic Games (makers of Fortnite), combined with his regular appearances at public events, makes him a prime candidate for the celebrity CEO position.

Still, D’Amaro isn’t the only candidate whose name has been mentioned in the rumor mill. Dana Walden (Co-Chairperson of Disney Entertainment), Alan Bergman (Co-Chairperson of Disney Entertainment), and Jimmy Pitaro (Chairperson of ESPN) are all reported contenders in this succession battle.

The Succession Planning Committee was officially formed in January 2023 as succession efforts were intensified and long-term goals were laid out for Disney’s future. Per Disney, the Committee’s succession planning process includes “evaluation of transition structures and organizational frameworks, and planning for potential impacts of succession decisions across the Company.”

According to Disney, both internal and external candidates are being considered, and internal candidates have undergone and will continue to experience a preparation process that includes external coaching, engagement with Board directors, and mentorship from Iger.

One thing is for sure: we’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates regarding Disney’s CEO search. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to AllEars so you don’t miss any Disney news.