Disney: Who Will Be Named the Next CEO?
Disney: Who Will Be Named the Next CEO?
The monumental task of selecting a successor to Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger at The Walt Disney Company is well underway, with the entertainment world watching closely. After a tumultuous period that saw Iger return to the helm in 2022 following the brief tenure of his hand-picked successor, Bob Chapek, the pressure for a smooth transition is immense. The company has indicated it will name its new leader in early 2026, ahead of Iger’s contract expiration at the end of that year. Amid the speculation, betting odds and internal maneuvering point toward a compelling race between top company executives.
BEO Betting Odds Point to Josh D’Amaro as the Frontrunner
According to BEO Betting Odds, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, has emerged as the clear favorite to ascend to the CEO position. The odds are currently set at 1.5, which translates to a 66.67% probability that he will be named the next leader of the House of Mouse. D’Amaro, a long-time Disney employee since 1998, is a public-facing executive who oversees the company’s theme parks, cruise lines, and consumer products. His deep operational knowledge and leadership of Disney’s most consistently profitable division are significant strengths. Recent reports suggest D’Amaro is now in “pole position” for the top job, having taken on roles traditionally held by Iger, such as representing the company at major investor conferences.
LEADERBOARD
Disney: Who Will Be Named the Next CEO?
| # | Bet Options | Chance to Win | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implied Projected Winner Josh DAmaro - Yes | 66.67% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Dana Walden - Yes | 22.22% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Alan Bergman - Yes | 11.11% |
Runner-Up: Dana Walden Closing the Gap
While D’Amaro leads, Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, remains a formidable contender and was previously considered the favorite by BEO Betting Odds. Walden, who joined Disney in 2019, oversees the company’s extensive portfolio of entertainment media and content businesses, including streaming services and television networks. Her supporters view her as a strong creative leader, and her appointment would be historic, making her the first female CEO in Disney’s history. However, her odds have shifted, positioning her as the runner-up in the current succession landscape. Some reports note that while she has a strong handle on the entertainment side, she may be less familiar with the parks and Wall Street aspects of the business.
Expert Predictions: A Field Narrowed by Choice
While there are no definitive expert predictions, recent developments have clarified the field of internal candidates. A Bloomberg article confirmed that the initial list of four top internal contenders has been reduced. Chairman of ESPN, Jimmy Pitaro, has officially stated he is not interested in the CEO role, communicating his decision to the board. Before his withdrawal, Pitaro was considered a frontrunner alongside D’Amaro, Walden, and fellow Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, Alan Bergman. Reports also suggest that Bergman is not considered to be on equal footing with D’Amaro and Walden, effectively narrowing the internal race to the two main contenders. The board, led by new chairman James Gorman, is also considering external candidates in its comprehensive search.
Final Thoughts: D’Amaro to Win?
The succession saga at Disney is a critical moment for the company’s future. The board’s methodical process, which includes mentorship from Iger for internal candidates, aims to avoid the pitfalls of the last transition. While BEO Betting Odds currently favor Josh D’Amaro, the dynamic nature of corporate leadership races means the outcome is far from certain. As the early 2026 announcement approaches, the performance of their respective divisions and their strategic positioning will undoubtedly continue to shape the odds in this high-stakes contest for one of the most coveted roles in corporate America.
