Disney fans were stunned back in 2022 when the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Chapek, stepped down, only to be replaced by Bob Iger, who held the position before Chapek. Ever since Iger’s return, there’s been speculation about who will replace Iger when he (re)retires in 2026.

Over the past few years, Iger has faced several challenges, navigating the complex world of streaming, turning things around for the parks, and battling with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Iger has made it clear that he plans to step down soon, leaving fans to wonder: who’s next? 

Recently, CEO Bob Iger spoke with Kelly Ripa in a podcast interview. During the interview, Iger stated he has one thing on his mind: finding a successor. Iger said, “I think it would be safe to assume that I think about [CEO succession] all the time.” He added, “It’s actually something that I’m obviously very focused on, not just because of the past, but because I’d like to retire again and I’d like to leave the company in great hands, and that is my intention and I’m now confident that not only will we do that, but we’ll do so on a timely basis that works for the company and hopefully works for me as well, but yes. It’s a huge priority,” per Variety.

It’s clear Iger means what he said. The Walt Disney Company just announced that the Board of Directors appointed Board member James P. Gorman to chair its Succession Planning Committee. As the name implies, this group is tasked with finding the next Disney CEO. Gorman previously joined the Disney board following his work at Morgan Stanley, where he oversaw the company’s succession process in 2024.

The addition of Gorman serving as the chair rounds out the board with three other members, including Mark G. Parker, Chairman of the Board, and directors Mary T. Barra and Calvin R. McDonald. Disney noted that “All members of the Committee have direct experience in CEO and senior leadership succession planning for Fortune 500 companies.”

Chairman of the Board, Mark G. Parker, stated, “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.” Gorman added, “I look forward to working alongside Mark and my other fellow Committee members in advising the Board as we continue to press forward expeditiously with this work.”

The Board formed its special Succession Planning Committee back in January 2023. The Committee is dedicated to “a deliberate succession planning process, including evaluation of transition structures and organizational frameworks, and planning for potential impacts of succession decisions across the Company.”  Disney explained that since the start of fiscal 2024, the Committee has met six times. At this time, Disney hasn’t publicly stated who is still in the running, though many have speculated that Kevin Mayer, Candle Media co-founder and close Iger adviser, could take on the role.

Disney hinted that “Internal candidates are going through a preparation process that includes mentorship from Disney CEO Robert A. Iger, external coaching, and engagement with all Board directors,” which could mean someone like Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, Jimmy Pitaro, former ESPN president, Disney Parks chair Josh D’Amaro, or and Alan Bergman could be named CEO.

For now, we’ll have to wait and see what the Committee decides. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

NEWS: Disney CEO Bob Iger Confirms 2026 Exit

Who would you like to see take over the role of CEO? Let us know in the comments!

The post BREAKING: Disney Takes Important Step Forward Amid Search To Find CEO Successor first appeared on the disney food blog.