Disney Appoints James Gorman Chairman as Parker Steps Down; CEO Successor Expected in Early 2026

Oct 21, 2024, 12:49 PM

The Walt Disney Company announced that James P. Gorman, Executive Chairman of Morgan Stanley, will become Chairman of the Board effective January 2, 2025, succeeding Mark G. Parker, who is stepping down after nine years of service. Gorman, who will step down from his role at Morgan Stanley on December 31, 2024, is leading the committee to identify a successor to CEO Bob Iger. Disney plans to announce a new CEO in early 2026, prior to the conclusion of Iger's contract in December 2026. The board is considering both internal and external candidates, and internal CEO candidates Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, Jimmy Pitaro, and Josh D’Amaro have recently met with the succession committee.