The Walt Disney Company recently held its first-quarter earnings call for 2026 on February 2nd, and we learned more about how the company is doing financially.
Walt Disney Company Headquarters ©LA Times
In addition, Disney CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston shared more about what they anticipate will come next for the future of Disney. But one glaring announcement was missing from the call — who will succeed Iger as CEO of the Walt Disney Company.
The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger is set to leave the company at the end of 2026, when his contract is up. Since the contract expiration date was announced, we have been wondering who would take Iger’s place after he leaves.
©Disney
Disney had said that a successor would be named in early 2026, and now that the new year has rolled around, we’re eager to learn just who it might be. Unfortunately for us, though, Disney did not share who the successor is during the company’s most recent earnings call.
Disney Chairman James Gorman has stressed the board’s commitment to naming Iger’s successor in early 2026, which means we could have an announcement any day now. Disney also set its annual shareholders meeting for March 16th at 10 AM PST, which could be when we learn who will be taking over as head of the company.
©Apple
Gorman told the Los Angeles Times, “Management succession planning remains a top priority for the Board, reflecting its importance to business continuity and long-term shareholder value. Oversight of the process is led by our dedicated Succession Planning Committee, and all directors have actively participated in a rigorous and ongoing evaluation of potential successor candidates, including direct engagement, performance assessment, and consideration of leadership capabilities aligned with the Company’s long-term strategy. The appointment of the next CEO will be determined by the full Board, and we currently expect to announce the appointment of the Company’s next CEO in early 2026.”
©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters
Previous reports have said that Disney had narrowed its search for its next CEO to Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, and Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment. Bloomberg then polled 700 industry experts, showing that most believe that D’Amaro will be named the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
D’Amaro appears to be the favorite among Disney fans, often appearing in the parks. In October 2020, he was seen walking around Downtown Disney in Disneyland, directly speaking with Cast Members after the company announced a string of layoffs.
Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23, 2023 ©Disney
Walden, on the other hand, is reportedly the favorite among creatives who are hoping she gets the job.
CNBC has reported that Disney might have been considering co-CEOs back in October, but didn’t think it was a good idea. That hasn’t stopped Disney fans from suggesting that Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden run the company together, considering D’Amaro’s expertise in running the parks and Walden’s expertise with the TV shows and movies business.
Dana Walden ©Disney
Regardless, whoever gets the position may be starting a little earlier than anticipated. According to The Wall Street Journal, reports are coming in that Iger could step down before his contract with Disney ends on December 31st.
One thing is for sure — we’ll be keeping an eye out for an announcement about who the next Disney CEO will be.
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