Disney CEO Bob Iger Set to Step Down Early in 2026

Iger plans to depart before his contract expires, with a successor expected to be named in early 2026.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:47pm

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According to reports, Disney CEO Bob Iger has told those close to him that he plans to step down from his role in 2026, likely before his contract expires at the end of the year. The Disney board is expected to meet next week to vote on Iger's successor, with two rumored names being Josh D'Amaro and Dana Walden.

Why it matters

Iger's departure will mark a significant turning point for Disney, as the company navigates challenges like the rise of streaming, the fallout from controversial decisions under previous CEO Bob Chapek, and the need to chart a new course for key divisions like Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Pixar.

The details

Iger originally served as Disney's CEO from 2005 to 2020, overseeing major acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm that strengthened the company's brand and led to multiple billion-dollar hits. He returned as CEO in late 2022 after the controversial tenure of his successor, Bob Chapek. However, Iger's return has also been met with some criticism, including comments about writers' 'unrealistic' requests during the WGA strikes and the decision to partner with OpenAI.

  • Iger has told people close to him that he plans to step down in 2026.
  • The Disney board is expected to meet next week to vote on Iger's successor.

The players

Bob Iger

The current CEO of The Walt Disney Company, who previously served as CEO from 2005 to 2020 before returning to the role in late 2022.

Josh D'Amaro

The chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing the company's parks, cruises, and consumer products.

Dana Walden

The co-chair of Disney Entertainment, responsible for overseeing global and streaming television.

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What’s next

The Disney board is expected to meet next week to vote on Iger's successor, with Josh D'Amaro and Dana Walden rumored to be the top contenders.

The takeaway

Iger's departure will mark a significant transition for Disney as the company looks to chart a new course and address challenges like the rise of streaming and the fallout from previous leadership decisions.