James Gorman to Lead Disney CEO Search

Walt Disney Co. has appointed James Gorman, executive chairman of Morgan Stanley, to chair its CEO succession planning committee. This committee is tasked with finding a successor to current CEO Bob Iger, who returned to the role in November 2022 after the departure of Bob Chapek. The succession planning is a top priority for Disney's board, which has extended Iger's tenure multiple times, with his current contract set to end in 2026. Gorman, who joined Disney's board earlier this year, will work alongside board members including Mark Parker, Mary Barra, and Calvin McDonald. The committee is reviewing both internal and external candidates, with internal candidates undergoing mentorship from Iger and other preparatory processes. This move follows a contentious proxy battle with activist investor Nelson Peltz, who criticized Disney's previous succession planning efforts.