Disney CEO Bob Iger is due to step down from his position for a second time at the end of 2026 and plans are already in place to find his replacement.
Disney‘s board has named director James Gorman, executive chairman of Morgan Stanley, as chair of its succession planning committee to identify a CEO replacement to take over the reins from Bob Iger.
Gorman, who joined the Disney board earlier this year, oversaw the recent succession process at Morgan Stanley, where he had previously served as the firm’s CEO. As per the committee’s March 2024 letter to shareholders, the committee and the full board are “reviewing internal candidates and external candidates.”
Current Disney employees Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, Jimmy Pitaro and Josh D’Amaro are all understood to be undergoing mentorship and internal training with a view to be considered for the role by the Disney succession planning committee.

