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Disney CEO Succession Narrows to Two as Reports Cast D’Amaro as Frontrunner

Insiders cite the parks division’s outsized profits as the force lifting his bid.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets citing Bloomberg say the board’s focus has narrowed to Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden, with Jimmy Pitaro and Alan Bergman now seen as long shots.
  • Witness accounts report Bob Iger recently pushed back at talk of D’Amaro’s appointment, saying no successor has been chosen by the board.
  • D’Amaro’s Disney Experiences unit generated $8.12 billion in profit in the first nine months of fiscal 2025, reinforcing the parks group’s sway in the decision.
  • Reports say Walden’s prospects were dented by her role with Iger in suspending Jimmy Kimmel, a move that drew shareholder anger.
  • The company is expected to name Iger’s successor around his contract end in early 2026, as D’Amaro also oversees Disney’s $1.5 billion Epic Games investment and a planned $60 billion parks buildout.