Disney Said to be Considering a Surprising Replacement for Bob Iger: EA CEO Andrew Wilson
Is this a potential indication of a renewed focus on gaming?
For years now, rumors of Bob Iger's supposed retirement have circulated throughout the media. Now, it appears that Iger's departure from the company he's led since 2005 may be closer than ever. According to recent reporting from Puck, Disney's board of directors may be considering EA CEO Andrew Wilson as a replacement for Iger, who is set to fully depart from Disney by the end of 2024.Andrew Wilson is a highly successful British businessman who has been the CEO of Electronic Arts since 2013. Under Wilson's leadership, EA has become one of the world's leading video game companies, with popular franchises such as "The Sims," "Battlefield," and "Apex Legends." Wilson is also credited with expanding EA's reach into mobile gaming and esports.
While Wilson is a respected figure in the gaming industry, his potential appointment as CEO of Disney would be a surprise to many. Disney is a much larger and more diversified company than EA, with businesses in film, television, theme parks, and consumer products. It is unclear whether Wilson has the experience and skills necessary to lead such a complex organization.
However, Wilson's appointment would signal a renewed focus on gaming for Disney. In recent years, Disney has made several acquisitions in the gaming space, including the purchase of Lucasfilm in 2012 and Marvel in 2007. Disney also has its own video game studio, Disney Interactive Studios.
If Wilson is appointed as CEO of Disney, it is likely that he will prioritize the growth of Disney's gaming business. This could include investing in new game development, expanding into new markets, and acquiring additional gaming companies. It is also possible that Wilson will seek to integrate gaming more closely with Disney's other businesses, such as its film and television studios.
Conclusion
The appointment of Andrew Wilson as CEO of Disney would be a significant development for both companies. It would signal a renewed focus on gaming for Disney and could lead to a number of changes in the way that the company operates. Only time will tell whether Wilson is the right person to lead Disney into the future.