Disney announced on Monday that it will appoint a new chief executive officer in “early 2026,” a timeline that many in Hollywood find later than anticipated.
This announcement is part of a broader board reshuffle, with James P. Gorman, a seasoned Wall Street banker who joined the board in February, set to become Disney’s chairman on January 2, 2025. He will succeed Mark G. Parker, who is stepping down after two years in the role and will leave the Disney board altogether.
“A critical priority before us is to appoint a new C.E.O., which we now expect to announce in early 2026,” Mr. Gorman stated. “This timing reflects the progress the succession planning committee and the board are making and will allow ample time for a successful transition.”
In August, Disney’s board entrusted Mr. Gorman with the task of finding a successor to Robert A. Iger, 73, who returned from retirement in late 2022 to lead the company again after the dismissal of Bob Chapek, Mr. Iger’s chosen successor.
