Who do you think will be the next CEO of Disney?

POLL: As a select group of frontrunner candidates comes into focus, Kidscreen wants to know who you expect to replace Bob Iger.
March 21, 2025

Succession planning has been one of the top priorities for Disney boss Bob Iger since his surprise return to the C-Suite in 2022. And the list of potential candidates has been getting clearer and clearer in recent months.

This week, Bloomberg rounded up some of the apparent frontrunners for the job, both internally and externally. New board chairman James Gorman, who stepped into the role in January, has been spearheading Disney’s quest to find a new leader. And this ongoing CEO search has reportedly expanded beyond the walls of the Mouse House, signaling a truly expansive effort this time around.

One of the top internal contenders is Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden, who would become the company’s first female CEO if she gets the gig. Juggling multiple entertainment brands, Walden has quickly risen through the ranks since she joined Disney in 2019. She also has an experience edge since she previously served as CEO at Fox Television Group.

Another senior exec who’s speculated to be a frontrunner is Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro, a familiar face who has been with the company since 1998. With a track record for growing the lucrative parks business, D’Amaro has held multiple senior positions over the years, including CFO of Disney Consumer Products Licensing and president of Disneyland Resort.

Externally, Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson‘s name is on many lips, and he may be well-suited to steer Disney’s big bet on gaming—which is poised to be an important part of its business going forward. There’s also buzz building around Mattel CEO Ynon Kriez—although, like Wilson, he has not been officially interviewed for the Disney gig. Kreiz is often credited with steering the toyco to new heights since taking the reins in 2018, both in terms of sales and entertainment presence—most notably with Barbie, the highest-grossing film of 2023.

Among the less likely candidates, Alan Bergman—co-chair of Disney Entertainment with Walden—is not high up in the running, Bloomberg says. And ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has reportedly informed the board that he does not wish to be considered.

Although a final decision is still several months away, Kidscreen wants to know who you think is most likely to be chosen as the next CEO of Disney. Vote below!

 

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