Disney will be naming CEO Bob Iger’s replacement in early 2026, the company announced on Monday.
James Gorman, the former CEO of Morgan Stanley, has been appointed chairman of the board, succeeding Mark Parker in the role. In his new post, which begins on January 2, Gorman will head up the efforts to find Iger’s successor.
A critical priority before us is to appoint a new CEO, which we now expect to announce in early 2026,” Gorman said in a statement. “This timing reflects the progress the Succession Planning Committee and the Board are making, and will allow ample time for a successful transition before the conclusion of Bob Iger’s contract in December 2026.”
Iger first stepped down as CEO in 2020 but remained on board as executive chairman until he formally retired at the end of 2021. Less than a year later, Iger’s successor Bob Chapek was dismissed and Iger was asked by Disney to return as CEO. In July 2023, Iger’s CEO contract was renewed until 2026.
Iger has said that when the new contract expires, he will be leaving Disney for good. Disney is reportedly now considering both company executives and external hires for the role.
