Disney Taps James Gorman for CEO Succession Planning Amid Delays

Walt Disney named board member and Morgan Stanley executive chairman James Gorman to preside over its succession planning committee on Wednesday as it scouts for the next chief executive officer, Economic Times reported.

It is the fifth time that the board has delayed CEO Bob Iger’s retirement date. First retiring before being reinstated in late 2022, replacing his would-be successor Bob Chapek, it seems Disney will now turn its full focus to finding Iger’s replacement after surviving a months-long proxy fight with activist investor Nelson Peltz.

“Succession planning is a top priority of the Board,” said Chairman Mark Parker.

Gorman served as CEO from 2010 to 2023 and is due to step down as executive chairman in December.