Disney is considering a co-CEO structure

As Disney nears its 2026 deadline to name Bob Iger’s successor, two internal candidates have emerged: Dana Walden, with deep experience in Hollywood, and Josh D’Amaro, known for leading Disney’s theme parks and consumer products. The company is considering a co-CEO model, similar to Netflix’s, where Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters have successfully shared leadership.

While such a setup could allow Disney to retain both Walden and D’Amaro — avoiding talent loss like in 2020 when Kevin Mayer left after being passed over — many insiders and governance experts warn it may not suit Disney. Reasons include Iger’s history of not fully stepping back from power, the company’s political culture, Walden and D’Amaro’s limited history working together, and concerns about blurred authority.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/14/disney-ceo-succession-why-co-ceos-may-be-a-bad-idea.html

Experts argue that while co-CEO arrangements can work in specific cases, they often lead to instability. Unlike Netflix’s Reed Hastings or Comcast’s Brian Roberts, Iger lacks founder status or significant shareholding, weakening his potential role as a tiebreaker. In the end, analysts suggest that appointing one clear leader — even if risky — is preferable to a potentially unstable dual structure.