Variety reports that Dana Walden is still the leading candidate to replace Bob Iger as the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, narrowly edging out Josh D’Amaro.
Dana Walden vs. Josh D’Amaro
According to nearly a dozen sources who spoke with Variety, Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, currently holds a slight edge over Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, in the race to replace Bob Iger as CEO. Walden has been thought of as the frontrunner to replace Iger since the end of 2023.
Earlier this year, rumors circulated that four internal members were in contention for the position, but the new Variety piece sheds light on the fact that this is becoming a two-horse race.
One top industry player simply said the following:
Anyone beyond Dana or Josh is probably a stretch.
While some insiders are counting out Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, and Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN and Sports Content, some believe that they, along with external candidates, are still in the running for the position. One industry dealmaker warns that if an outsider is hired, Walden and D’Amaro may leave the company.
Those outside of the “Hollywood bubble” feel that all this speculation is a “waste of time.” One source, who Variety refers to as “one board member at a rival media conglomerate,” went as far as to say the following:
The board’s installation of James Gorman is a signal that they finally want to run a proper search.
In August, The Walt Disney Company named Gorman the head of the committee responsible for finding Iger’s successor.
Earlier this year, rumors circled that Iger’s replacement could be announced as early as the end of 2024 even though Iger’s contract was extended until December 31, 2026. Iger says he is obsessed with finding his replacement, and one industry insider who spoke with Variety indicated that Iger may “be more inclined to back someone who preserves his own legacy,” especially after calling the hiring of Bob Chapek his “biggest regret.”
A recent major New York Times expose went into great detail about the tumultuous relationship between Iger and Chapek during the company’s last transition from one CEO to another. In the report, it was revealed that Chapek had grounds for a lawsuit, but he elected not to seek legal action because his children and grandchildren are a “Disney family.”
While many are excited about the prospect of Walden or D’Amaro succeeding Iger as CEO, there are still concerns about each. Variety noted that insiders are worried that Walden doesn’t have much experience with parks, while D’Amaro has little experience dealing with Wall Street.
The fact remains: whoever is chosen won’t be perfect right away, but they need to be someone that the company is confident in, so The Walt Disney Company doesn’t face another debacle.
Who do you want to succeed Iger as CEO? Let us know in the comments.
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