Today, Bob Iger announced that picking his successor (the next CEO) is the board's "number one priority". Bob Iger's struggle to find a successor has long been considered a black mark on his legacy. He finally selected Bob Chapek, only to oust Chapek & reclaim the role within 3 years.
This market will resolve to the name of the person who is the next CEO of the Walt Disney Company (according to Wikipedia) after Bob Iger.
More sources:
Why Disney’s Succession Remains The Biggest Question For The Magic Kingdom. Mentions Walden, D'Amaro, and Pitaro as likely internal candidates.
Disney boss Bob Iger brings back top succession candidates as advisers: report (Tom Staggs & Kevin Mayer were passed over for the role in 2020, and are now back working with Disney)
Puck claims it could be Ynon Kreiz
The Observer floats Adam Silver (!?) among other names.
1,000
3.00NYT: Disney Says It Will Hire a New C.E.O. in ‘Early 2026’
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/21/business/disney-ceo-succession-james-gorman-chairman.html
We'll see if this time they're serious! This market might actually resolve.
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/01/disney-ceo-race-dana-walden-could-defy-critics-and-make-history.html
How Dana Walden could defy critics and become Disney’s first female CEO
More than 20 colleagues and friends spoke with CNBC about her strengths, faults and the perceived likelihood she will take over for Iger.
LOL Peltz's proxy fight seems like pure pointless pettiness to me, but who knows. Here's a major-ish update from the Hollywood Reporter:
In Setback for Disney Board, Influential Shareholder Firm ISS Backs Nelson Peltz in Proxy Fight
ISS, which recommends how institutional shareholders should vote, says that Disney's failed succession processes are key to its recommendation.
“Dissident nominee Peltz, as a significant shareholder, could be additive to the succession process, providing assurance to other investors that the board is properly engaged this time around,” the report continued.
The board has identified four leading internal candidates: entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro and parks boss Josh D’Amaro. It may also consider external candidates.
Walden and D’Amaro have been treated like the frontrunners by the press, though the board has met with all four executives.
The prevailing wisdom is that none of these candidates has what it takes because they all lack the requisite experience.
https://deadline.com/2024/02/nelson-peltz-rips-disney-bob-iger-proxy-fight-1235825540/
Nelson Peltz Rips Disney’s Spree Of Earnings-Timed News As “Spaghetti Against The Wall”, Guarantees Victory In Proxy Fight
(I do not believe Nelson Peltz will be the next CEO)