The Walt Disney Company Board Names James P. Gorman as Chairman, Effective January 2, 2025
He Will Succeed
Gorman Provides Update on Succession Planning Process, Says Board Plans to Announce Disney’s Next CEO in Early 2026
Gorman is Executive Chairman of Morgan Stanley and, as previously announced, will be stepping down from that role on
“James Gorman is an esteemed leader who has become an invaluable voice on the Disney Board since joining earlier this year, and I am extremely pleased that he has agreed to assume the role of Chairman upon my departure. Drawing on his vast experience, James is expertly guiding the extensive search process for a new CEO, which remains a top priority for the Board,” said Parker, who is Executive Chairman of NIKE, Inc. “As I prepare to leave the Board to focus on other areas of my work, I am proud of Disney’s renewed position of strength and excited for the company’s future, and I want to thank my fellow directors,
“The Disney Board has benefited tremendously from James Gorman’s expertise and guidance, and we are lucky to have him as our next Chairman – particularly as the Board continues to move forward with the succession process,” Iger said. “I’m extremely grateful to
“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Disney’s Chairman at this important moment in the company’s history,” Gorman said. “In the short time I have had the opportunity to work with Mark, I have come to appreciate and deeply respect his authentic leadership, humility and intelligence. I know all Directors join me in saying we have been honored to serve with him as the Chairman of the Board.”
“A critical priority before us is to appoint a new CEO, which we now expect to announce in early 2026. This timing reflects the progress the Succession Planning Committee and the Board are making, and will allow ample time for a successful transition before the conclusion of Bob Iger’s contract in December 2026,” Gorman said.
About the Succession Planning Committee
The Board’s Succession Planning Committee is chaired by Gorman and includes directors
About
About
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements and information in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among other things, regarding changes to the Board of Directors, succession, governance and other statements that are not historical in nature. Any information that is not historical in nature included in this release is subject to change. These statements are made on the basis of views and assumptions regarding future events as of the time the statements are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update these statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company, including changes to the Board of Directors and business or governance decisions, as well as from developments beyond the Company’s control, including the factors set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
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Corporate Communications
david.j.jefferson@disney.com
(818) 560-4832
Corporate Communications
kelvin.liu@disney.com
(818) 560-3117
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