The Walt Disney Company is preparing for one of its most important transitions in decades — the selection of its next CEO.
As the board narrows its choice, one thing is clear: this isn’t a done deal yet. Two internal leaders — each with unique strengths — are offering distinct visions for Disney’s future, and both could shape the company in very different ways.
Disney’s last leadership transition, which placed Bob Chapek in the CEO role, proved to be one of the company’s most turbulent periods in recent memory. His tenure faced internal challenges and public controversy, leading to strategic missteps that ultimately prompted Bob Iger’s return to stabilize the organization.
Disney wants this transition to be smooth, deliberate, and drama-free. The official announcement is expected in early 2026, but behind closed doors, the race is already heating up.
Disney’s leadership journey over the last few years has been anything but simple. CEO Bob Iger, who originally planned to retire several times, continues to steer the company through an era of major transformation. His contract runs through the end of 2026 — giving the next leader nearly a year of mentorship before taking the reins.
Unlike the previous transitions, which sparked turbulence and departures among senior executives, this time Disney’s board is determined to avoid chaos. Contracts for top leaders have been quietly extended into the late 2020s to keep stability in place long after Iger departs. Executives who aren’t chosen for the top job are being offered expanded roles and compensation incentives to ensure loyalty and consistency.
In short, Disney is setting up a careful succession process designed to protect both creative momentum and corporate calm — two qualities the company needs more than ever.
The Leading Contenders
Two names dominate the conversation at Disney headquarters: Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden. Both are respected, ambitious, and deeply tied to the company’s modern identity — but they represent very different skill sets and visions for what Disney should be next.
Josh D’Amaro: The Magic Operator
As Chairman of Disney Experiences, Josh D’Amaro oversees theme parks, cruises, retail, and gaming — all the parts of Disney most connected to the guest experience.
Despite years of park price increases, D’Amaro remains a popular figure with fans and cast members alike. He’s known for walking the parks, greeting employees, and being approachable in a way that feels reminiscent of Walt’s direct connection to guests.
Where he stands out is in his forward-looking approach to innovation. D’Amaro has been pushing for deeper integration of digital and gaming technology into Disney’s storytelling, championing major investments like the company’s $1.5 billion partnership with Epic Games.
His vision seeks to blend the physical and digital experiences of Disney — from the parks to play — imagining a future where the magic extends seamlessly across screens and destinations.
In an era where fans crave immersive experiences, it’s easy to see why his leadership resonates both inside and outside the company.
Dana Walden: The Creative Powerhouse
On the other side, Dana Walden brings unmatched experience in the entertainment world.
As co-chair of Disney Entertainment, she oversees much of the company’s television, film, and streaming output — the storytelling engine that drives Disney’s emotional attachment with audiences.
Walden’s career is built on creative intuition and strong relationships in Hollywood.
Her supporters believe she embodies Disney’s storytelling tradition and understand how to balance creative risk and corporate sustainability. In a world where content is still king, her leadership could keep Disney’s entertainment divisions steady and ambitious.
If D’Amaro represents the operational side of Disney’s magic, Walden represents its heart and voice on screen.
The Board’s Focus: Stability Over Spectacle
Behind the scenes, Disney’s board — chaired by James Gorman — has been running this process with military precision. The emphasis this time isn’t on speed, but on stability. By promoting from within, the company can maintain continuity and protect the culture Iger rebuilt after returning as CEO.
Executives are cautious not to repeat the internal turmoil that defined the last transition. The board’s strategy is to build consensus behind the scenes, keep communication tight, and ensure no major leadership shake-ups when the choice is announced.
It seems that lessons from past mistakes have been learned — Disney is choreographing this succession like a well-rehearsed parade.
The Future in Sight
Whoever takes over faces an extraordinary task.
The next CEO will inherit a company investing over $60 billion in parks and resorts, pushing innovation in storytelling technology, and re-energizing beloved brands like Pixar and Marvel. They’ll also continue navigating the challenging evolution from legacy television to streaming dominance.
Josh D’Amaro may hold a slight edge for now — his leadership of Disney’s most profitable division and his passion for the guest experience make him a natural fit for many. But Dana Walden’s creative command and industry relationships keep her firmly in the running.
In truth, this is not a one-horse race. It’s a reflection of Disney’s dual identity: a company of dreamers and doers, storytellers and strategists.
A New Chapter of the Disney Story
Disney stands at a pivotal moment — where legacy meets innovation, and storytelling meets technology. Whether it’s D’Amaro leading with guest driven creativity or Walden guiding Disney’s entertainment heart, the company’s future will be shaped by leaders who understand what truly makes Disney special.
The next CEO won’t just run a corporation. They’ll be the guardian of a century-old dream — one built on imagination, optimism, and a world where every generation believes that magic is real.
The Magic Continues
For a company built on imagination, the choice of its next leader isn’t just a business decision — it’s a creative one. It’s about who can carry forward the values that make Disney more than an entertainment company: wonder, optimism, and storytelling that connects generations.
Josh D’Amaro represents that balance between heart and strategy, between tradition and innovation.
If the story continues the way it’s heading, the next chapter of Disney’s magic will be led by someone who believes — just like Walt did — that the happiest place on earth should always be evolving, always inspiring, and always rooted in dreams.
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.