With Disney on the cusp of a critical leadership shift, the contest to replace CEO Bob Iger has picked up intensity, focusing on two key internal candidates: Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, and Dana Walden, co-Chair of Disney Entertainment. Since Iger’s contract is due to expire in early 2026, the decision by the board is around the corner, and both candidates have unique strengths.
Josh D’Amaro: The Front Runner with Operating Skills
Josh D’Amaro became the top contender, as he has had a very long term and influential leadership in Disney. Having joined the company almost 30 years ago, D’Amaro has served in several positions, including President of Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World Resort, before becoming Chairman of Disney Experiences in 2020. During his leadership, Disney’s theme park, cruise line, and consumer products segment has been the company’s most profitable business unit, reporting $8.12 billion in profit for the first nine months of fiscal year 2025. The performance reflects D’Amaro’s operational expertise and his capacity to propel high revenue growth.
D’Amaro’s vision goes beyond financial prosperity; he has played a crucial role in spearheading major investments, such as Disney’s $60 billion pledge to develop its resorts and cruise ships in the next decade. Moreover, his guidance of Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, Fortnite’s developers, showcases his vision in matching Disney’s legacy assets with new digital platforms.
MickeyBlog.com
Dana Walden: A Visionary in Media and Entertainment
Dana Walden presents a complementary yet strong profile, with extensive experience in television and media.
Walden has risen to co-Chair of Disney Entertainment since arriving at Disney in 2019 as part of the acquisition of 21st Century Fox. Her oversight includes a broad portfolio that includes ABC Entertainment, Disney Television Studios, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, and National Geographic Content. Through her leadership, Disney had a record-breaking 183 Emmy Award nominations in 2024, an indication of her skills in content development and brand management. Walden’s candidacy, however, came under debate after she was involved in the suspension of late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel following controversial statements. The action was met with criticism by some shareholders, possibly affecting her reputation among the board.
The Decision-Making Process
The choice of the next CEO of Disney is being carefully managed by a succession committee led by James Gorman, former Morgan Stanley CEO, who was appointed to Disney’s board in 2024. The committee’s thorough analysis process is intended to provide for a smooth handover and continued prosperity for the company.
Wall Street Journal
Although D’Amaro’s success in operations makes him a heavy favorite, there will be some board members who will argue for a chief with more of a media and content background, and therefore more likely to prefer Walden. This creates a dynamic where the board must balance the value of operational acumen versus media and content leadership.
As Disney approaches a new era, the decision between Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden marks a crucial turning point in the leadership direction of the company.
D’Amaro’s track record of operational excellence and strategic investment make him a strong contender, whereas Walden’s deep experience with media and content creation presents an alternative but strong vision for Disney’s future.
The board’s choice will certainly define the company’s future in the next few decades, affecting whether or not it will succeed in keeping up with the changing entertainment world. With the decision to be finalized before Iger’s scheduled retirement in early 2026, everyone is still looking at the board members’ deliberations and the eventual installation of Disney’s future CEO.
