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Disney CEO Bob Iger Plans Early Departure Before Contract Ends
Board expected to vote on successor next week as Iger seeks more personal time
Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:47pm
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According to a Wall Street Journal report, Disney CEO Bob Iger plans to step down from his role before his contract expires on December 31, 2026. The Disney board of directors will meet next week at the company's Burbank headquarters to vote on Iger's successor, with two internal candidates - Josh D'Amaro and Dana Walden - emerging as the finalists. Iger has told associates he is ready to step back from the demands of running Disney and wants to spend more time on personal interests and working with his wife Willow Bay.
Why it matters
Iger's early departure marks a carefully managed succession process for Disney, which faced challenges in 2020 when Iger stepped down and named Bob Chapek as his successor, leading to conflicts between the two executives. The board is aiming for a smoother transition this time as Disney navigates a rapidly changing media landscape.
The details
According to the Wall Street Journal report, Iger has told associates in recent months that he is ready to step back from the demands of running Disney, citing frustration over conflicts at ABC, including the brief suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Iger and his wife Willow Bay also purchased Angel City FC, a women's soccer team, in 2024, indicating his desire to pursue other personal interests.
- Iger's contract is set to expire on December 31, 2026.
- The Disney board of directors will meet next week at the company's Burbank headquarters to vote on Iger's successor.
The players
Bob Iger
The current CEO of The Walt Disney Company, who plans to step down from his role before his contract expires.
Josh D'Amaro
The chairman of Disney's Experiences division, overseeing theme parks, consumer products, and videogames, and a finalist for the CEO role.
Dana Walden
The co-chairman of Disney's Entertainment division and a veteran television executive, also a finalist for the CEO role.
James Gorman
The former CEO of Morgan Stanley and the current chairman of Disney's board, leading the succession process.
Bob Chapek
The former CEO of Disney who was ousted by the board in November 2022, after clashing with Iger during the pandemic.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
What’s next
The Disney board is expected to announce its decision on Iger's successor in the current quarter, with the new CEO likely receiving mentoring from Iger and external coaches during the transition period.
The takeaway
Disney's carefully managed succession process aims to avoid the challenges faced in 2020 when Iger's transition to Chapek proved problematic. The board is focused on ensuring a smooth handover as the company navigates a rapidly changing media landscape.
