A new report from Bloomberg has noted that Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro continues to be the frontrunner in the search for a successor to Disney CEO Bob Iger.
Josh D’Amaro Leads CEO Shortlist
In a new article from Bloomberg, it appears the number of people being considered as a potential successor to the Disney CEO position is continuing to get narrower. Earlier this year, it was already reported that D’Amaro was in the “pole position” to take over as CEO out of a list of four Disney executives long-considered the most likely candidates to succeed Iger. This list of four frontrunners included D’Amaro, as well as Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, Dana Walden; Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, Alan Bergman; and Chairman of ESPN and Sports Content, Jimmy Pitaro. After this list was created, however, Pitaro reportedly made statements that he was not interested in the role.
Now, it appears another name has been marked off the list. In Bloomberg’s newest update, they describe the race as only having two lead names, with Bergman now being viewed as something of a “long shot.”
This time, succession is widely viewed inside and outside of Disney as a two-horse race, led by D’Amaro, 54, who was born 20 years to the day after Iger. Competing with him is entertainment co-Chair Walden, who primarily runs Disney’s TV business. Bergman and Pitaro are viewed as long shots, according to Disney executives who asked not to be identified talking about someone who may soon be their boss.
However, Bloomberg goes on to describe D’Amaro as the most likely outcome. The article describes a situation in which Iger was overheard having a conversation about the future CEO, and his dining partner mentioned D’Amaro “will do a great job when he’s appointed CEO.” The article goes on to state that D’Amaro is becoming the most prominent name being shared internally within the company, “The conversation reflects a growing consensus among many Disney executives, former executives and industry leaders that D’Amaro will succeed Iger when the company names a new CEO as planned early next year.”
Interestingly, however, Iger reportedly responded to this claim with some denial,
Iger bristled, according to a person who witnessed the exchange. He raised his voice, saying the board hadn’t made a decision and that he had “no idea” where that notion was coming from.
D’Amaro continues to be one of the most prominent CEO names for a number of reasons. His division continues to be the most profitable within The Walt Disney Company, “Through nine months of fiscal 2025, profit in the division rose to $8.12 billion, a third more than Disney’s TV, film, streaming and sports operations combined.” This same division is also responsible for the upcoming Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi, plus Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games.
Dana Walden
The other name that continues to be included in the list of CEO candidates is Dana Walden. Walden was previously Chairman and CEO of Fox Television Group. She came to Disney with the 2019 Fox acquisition and replaced Peter Rice as Chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content in 2022. She was named Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment in 2023.
Bloomberg notes Walden, alongside Bergman, has helped to make Disney+ profitable and has more knowledge of Wall Street compared to D’Amaro. However, the article also mentions that Walden played a “leading role” in the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and the subsequent discussions of his return, which could add some complexity to her case. The New York Post adds, “Walden’s candidacy may have been bruised by her role in the controversy as shareholders fumed that the Kimmel brouhaha represented a breach of the company’s fiduciary responsibility and resulted in financial damage.”
D’Amaro also has a “understanding of Disney’s culture” due to his longstanding work with the company, as opposed to Walden, who joined in 2019. Bloomberg also describes a recent presentation by each of the four divisional leaders on their visions for the company’s future, with D’Amaro’s piece described as “especially inspiring.”
Disney brought in Morgan Stanley Chairman James P. Gorman to lead the search for Iger’s successor, later electing him Chairman of the Board. Disney hopes to announce a successor in early 2026, allowing time for a transition before Iger’s contract ends that December.
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