Disney's Search for Bob Iger's Successor
Disney's Succession Plan
Disney has been grooming a successor to CEO Bob Iger for years, but the process has been anything but smooth. Former COO Tom Staggs was once seen as the frontrunner, but he left the company in 2019. Current CEO Bob Chapek was then named Iger's successor, but his tenure has been marked by controversy and poor financial performance.
Now, Disney is once again looking for a new CEO. Iger announced in November 2022 that he would be stepping down, and the company has begun a search for his replacement. The search committee is led by Disney board member Susan Arnold and includes other board members, as well as Iger himself.
James Gorman
One of the leading candidates to replace Iger is James Gorman, the CEO of Morgan Stanley. Gorman is a well-respected executive with a strong track record. He has led Morgan Stanley through the financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also known for his strong leadership skills and his ability to make tough decisions.
However, Gorman is also seen as a bit of an outsider. He has no experience in the entertainment industry, and he is not well-known to the Disney board of directors. If he is selected as CEO, he will likely face a steep learning curve.
Other Candidates
In addition to Gorman, there are several other candidates who are being considered for the CEO position. These include:
- Christine McCarthy, the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance
- Josh D'Amaro, the chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
- Rebecca Campbell, the chairman of Disney International
Each of these candidates has their own strengths and weaknesses. McCarthy has a strong track record in the retail industry, but she has no experience in the entertainment industry. D'Amaro is a well-respected leader within Disney, but he has never run a large company. Campbell has a strong international background, but she has limited experience in the U.S. market.
Conclusion
Disney's search for a successor to Bob Iger is likely to be a long and difficult process. The company has a number of qualified candidates to choose from, but there is no clear frontrunner. The search committee will likely take its time to find the right person to lead Disney into the future.
