Disney Names Board Member Gorman to Chair Committee Tasked with Finding Iger's Successor

By Denny Jacob

Walt Disney Co. named board member James Gorman to chair its succession planning committee as the company continues to work on finding its next leader after Bob Iger.

Gorman, former CEO of Morgan Stanley, was appointed to the board in November at a time when it faced separate shareholder challenges. Disney has noted his role in the succession process at the bank, where he serves as executive chairman.

"I am eager to continue collaborating with James on the committee as we advance the important work we have already been doing to identify and prepare the next CEO," said Chairman Mark Parker.

The entertainment giant said it has met six times to date in fiscal 2024 for its succession deliberations. Disney is on the clock to find its next CEO as Iger's contract runs to 2026, when he has promised to step down.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the top internal candidates to succeed him include Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, co-chairmen of Disney Entertainment, which includes the cable, streaming and studio units; Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, which includes Disney's lucrative theme parks; and Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN, which is in the throes of a high-stakes pivot to streaming.

Write to Denny Jacob at denny.jacob@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 21, 2024 16:58 ET (20:58 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.