Bob Iger May Step Down as Disney CEO Early: Report.
Bob Iger, the long-time CEO of The Walt Disney Company, may be exiting the Mouse House before his contract expires at the end of 2026, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
In an apparent bid to move away from daily management duties, Iger has reportedly informed "associates" that he plans to step down as CEO and "pull back from daily management" in the coming months. The Journal cited anonymous sources stating that Iger is "frustrated" with the conflicts at ABC over Jimmy Kimmel's suspension.
Disney's board of directors expects to announce Iger's successor in early 2026, although no specific internal candidate has been identified. Analysts point to Josh D'Amaro and Dana Walden as top contenders for the job, with D'Amaro currently leading Disney Experiences and overseeing parks, cruises, and consumer products.
Iger's decision comes after a tumultuous period at the company, marked by the ouster of former CEO Bob Chapek in 2022. The board brought Iger back as chief executive, and he has since seen his total compensation increase to $45.8 million in 2025.
While Iger will be stepping down from the CEO role, Disney says he will remain with the company through the end of 2026. According to the proxy statement filed last week, Iger's new focus will include "other things," such as sailing and working on Angel City FC, a women's soccer team his wife owns.
Iger's departure has sparked debate among analysts and Disney fans, who are eager to see who will take the reins at the iconic media conglomerate.
Bob Iger, the long-time CEO of The Walt Disney Company, may be exiting the Mouse House before his contract expires at the end of 2026, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
In an apparent bid to move away from daily management duties, Iger has reportedly informed "associates" that he plans to step down as CEO and "pull back from daily management" in the coming months. The Journal cited anonymous sources stating that Iger is "frustrated" with the conflicts at ABC over Jimmy Kimmel's suspension.
Disney's board of directors expects to announce Iger's successor in early 2026, although no specific internal candidate has been identified. Analysts point to Josh D'Amaro and Dana Walden as top contenders for the job, with D'Amaro currently leading Disney Experiences and overseeing parks, cruises, and consumer products.
Iger's decision comes after a tumultuous period at the company, marked by the ouster of former CEO Bob Chapek in 2022. The board brought Iger back as chief executive, and he has since seen his total compensation increase to $45.8 million in 2025.
While Iger will be stepping down from the CEO role, Disney says he will remain with the company through the end of 2026. According to the proxy statement filed last week, Iger's new focus will include "other things," such as sailing and working on Angel City FC, a women's soccer team his wife owns.
Iger's departure has sparked debate among analysts and Disney fans, who are eager to see who will take the reins at the iconic media conglomerate.
I think Bob Iger stepping down early might be good for Disney, tbh. He's had a tough time dealing with those ABC conflicts 
. I mean, we all know how stressful it can be to manage daily operations and deal with staff drama 
. Giving him more space might help him focus on his other passions, like sailing and owning a soccer team 
. Josh D'Amaro seems like a solid contender for the CEO role, though 
. He's already doing a great job leading Disney Experiences, so I think he'd be a good fit for the top spot 
. What do you guys think? Should we be worried about Disney's future without Bob Iger at the helm? 
I think this might be a good thing for Disney though! They need some fresh blood in that chair and Josh D'Amaro or Dana Walden would be awesome choices 
. I mean, can you imagine them shaking things up at Disney? 
But on the other hand, Bob Iger's been with the company for ages and it sounds like he's got some legit reasons to want out... those ABC conflicts with Jimmy Kimmel are no joke 
. And let's be real, $45.8 million is a pretty sweet exit package 
. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what Disney does next 
anyway dont know wut kinda "other things" hes gonna be doin but sailing sounds super chill 
maybe we'll get a new ceo who's more into school spirit tho lol just think bout josh damaro or dana walden as disney's next big thing 
but on the other hand, disney fans are kinda excited because it means a new era for the company 
maybe josh d'amaro will bring some fresh ideas to the table 
. iger's decision to focus on other stuff sounds pretty cool tho. sailing and soccer? that's the life 
. We should be asking ourselves if we're really making the movies and shows that will leave a mark on history 
.