Excitement is brewing in the Magic Kingdom as Disney prepares for another leadership change. The board of directors has just named James Gorman, Morgan Stanley’s executive chairman, to head a critical succession planning committee. This committee is charged with finding a replacement for the renowned Bob Iger, whose second tenure as Disney’s CEO is set to conclude in 2026.
James Gorman, who joined the Disney board earlier this year, brings with him a wealth of experience in succession planning from his time at Morgan Stanley. “James is a highly respected leader, and we’ve asked him to serve as the new Chair of the Succession Planning Committee given his deep succession planning experience and long-term strategic mentality,” said Mark Parker, Disney’s board chairman, in a recent press release.
Disney has confirmed the committee is evaluating both internal and external candidates to fill Iger’s shoes. Internally, key figures undergoing mentorship and coaching include Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, co-chairs of Disney Entertainment; Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences; and Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN.
Bob Iger’s legacy is profound. Having served Disney for four decades, he initially led the company from 2005 to 2020, before a brief retirement. He was coaxed back into the CEO seat in 2021 for what was intended to be a short two-year stint. His term has been extended once more, but Disney is now making concerted efforts to ensure a smooth and planned transition by 2026.
Iger’s previous succession saga has been contentious, even sparking a heated proxy battle against activist investor Nelson Peltz, who wanted to secure positions on the company’s board. Iger and Disney triumphed, but the incident underscored the criticality of a well-thought-out succession plan.
As the search for the next CEO unfolds, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Who do you think should step into this iconic role? Share your views in the comments and let the conversation begin!
Source: Bruce Gil
