Sources Say There's a Clear Frontrunner for NEW Disney CEO — And They Could Be Named This Week

During Disney’s Q1 earnings call today, we were curious to find that while Bob Iger, the current CEO of Disney, made hints towards his successor and conversations they’ve had, it was not announced who the new CEO would be.

Bob Iger’s contract runs out at the end of 2026, so it’s been expected for months now that Disney would announce their new CEO in Q1 of 2026 (which is now!). While a few people have been speculated to be in the running, one of the top contenders has been Josh D’Amaro, current Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, has been at the very top of that list. According to sources, it’s now really looking like D’Amaro could be Disney’s next CEO, and it could be announced VERY soon.

Multiple sources have reported this news, but The New York Post goes as far as to say that sources familiar with the matter informed them that the board is expected to meet this Tuesday and Wednesday before publicly announcing that D’Amaro will succeed Iger as CEO by the end of 2026.

For months now, it’s been speculated that D’Amaro’s top contender for the position is Dana Walden, Disney’s Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment. Bloomberg was one of the first to report this news and made it clear that the board still could absolutely change its mind between now and the announcement. According to Bloomberg, the board will vote this upcoming week on the new CEO, but it isn’t as specific as “Tuesday or Wednesday.” In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Disney stated 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.”

CNBC also reported on the news, highlighting that in Disney’s earnings call today, Bob Iger stated how pleased he’s been with the changes over the past three years and that he’s “inspired and energized by the opportunities ahead for this wonderful company.” During the earnings call, Iger also commented on the tumultuous transition the company saw between Iger and Chapek back in 2020. Chapek was fired 2.5 years later, and Iger was brought back in as CEO. Not only that, much of the changes Chapek had put into effect were then undone. On the earnings call, Iger commented, “I think what is noteworthy is that when I came back three years ago, I had a tremendous amount that needed fixing. But anyone who runs a company also knows that it can’t just be about fixing. It has to be preparing a company for its future.”

We’re very curious to see what Disney announces, and if the new CEO announcement truly will come this week, or further into Q1. We’ll be sure to keep you updated every step of the way, so be sure to stay tuned to AllEars.