Leadership Transition
James Gorman, former CEO of , is set to become 's board chair in January 2025, succeeding . Gorman has been integral in succession planning at Morgan Stanley and is expected to bring that expertise to Disney.
Disney plans to announce a new CEO to succeed in early 2026, aiming for a smooth transition before the conclusion of Iger's contract in December 2026. This marks a formal timetable for succession at Disney.
Succession Planning Insights
Gorman's appointment comes after a period of scrutiny over Disney's succession planning, especially following the tumultuous tenure of Iger's chosen successor, . Gorman is now spearheading the search for Iger's successor.
Disney is considering both internal and external candidates for the CEO position, with four divisional heads reportedly in contention. This includes , , Jimmy Pitaro, and , all of whom bring unique strengths to the table.