Will Dana Walden be Disney’s Next CEO?
Will Dana Walden be Disney’s Next CEO?
Bob Iger is expected to step down as Disney’s CEO when his contract expires in 2026. The 74-year-old has publicly expressed a desire to retire after 25 years at the company, and Disney will soon grant his wish, as it recently confirmed it doesn’t plan to extend his contract again.
As Iger brought stability to the company following the sudden exit of Bob Chapek in 2022, Disney is likely eager to find the right successor for the role.
Fortunately, the board has many talented names to choose from at the company, and many believe Dana Walden’s experience makes her a natural successor. Continue reading to learn if she is likely to be Disney’s next CEO.
BEO’s betting odds are starting to show a likelihood towards Dana Walden being chosen as Disney’s next CEO ::: Discover the latest Bet Entertainment Odds predictions for this market.
Dana Walden is the Current Favorite
BEO betting odds suggest Dana Walden is the favorite to be chosen by the board as Disney’s next CEO.
As she has served as the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment since 2022, which is responsible for its TV and streaming department, she could be a top choice.
For instance, she currently oversees content on Disney+, the Disney Channel, Hulu, ABC, Freeform, and FX.
As a result, she’s directly responsible for the creation of the above channels and the platform’s biggest shows over the past 20 years, such as Modern Family and American Horror Story.
It wouldn’t be her first time in a CEO role either, as she once served as Fox Television Group’s chairman and CEO.
Also, she has developed a strong track record at Disney, as her leadership has helped the company set the record of 183 Emmy Award nominations in 2024.
Thanks to her experience and position at the company, she’s a top choice as the next CEO. If chosen, she will make Disney history by becoming its first female CEO.
Alan Bergman is a Contender
Another option is Alan Bergman, as his extensive career in film production would make him a smart choice as Disney’s next CEO.
At present, he is responsible for managing Disney’s film studios, such as Pixar, Marvel, Walt Disney Animation Studios, 20th Century Studios, and Lucasfilm.
As he oversees its full entertainment, media, and content portfolio internationally, he could make the key decisions the company needs to build on its global success.
After all, he has developed a fantastic track record for greenlighting Disney’s highest-grossing movies, such as Frozen and Avengers: Endgame.
As he has worked alongside Bob Iger for many years, he is likely to have earned his trust, which could place him next in line as Disney’s CEO.
Josh D’Amaro Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
While Dana Walden is a strong choice for the role, Josh D’Amaro could have the experience needed to continue Disney’s success over the coming decades.
He is currently the chairman of Disney Experiences, meaning he’s responsible for its various theme parks, consumer products, cruise lines, and entertainment experiences.
As he has a strong understanding of Disney’s infrastructure, logistics, daily operations, and labor laws, he could have the knowledge and experience to guide the company into the future.
Plus, he hasn’t been afraid to introduce forward-thinking technologies into its parks, as he’s introduced contactless technologies, such as Genie+ and MagicMobile, and supported the development of more immersive rides and attractions, such as Avengers Campus or Rise of the Resistance.
Plus, he’s regularly been compared to Bob Iger, as he is known for his calm, charismatic, and likable personality, which will help Disney maintain its professional image.
