Disney appoints James Gorman as chairman in 2025
- James Gorman will become the next chairman of The Walt Disney Company on January 2, 2025.
- The company plans to appoint a new CEO by early 2026, facilitating a smooth transition in leadership.
- This strategic choice reflects Disney's efforts to strengthen governance and succession planning amid recent challenges.
The Walt Disney Company, based in the United States, is set to appoint James Gorman, the current executive chairman of Morgan Stanley, as its new chairman, effective January 2, 2025. This strategic decision comes as the company navigates a crucial succession planning phase, particularly following the challenges faced under former CEO Bob Chapek’s leadership. Gorman has experience in succession planning and will play a pivotal role in identifying candidates for Disney's CEO position, which the company aims to fill by early 2026. Disney's interim CEO, Bob Iger, who returned to the company in late 2022, emphasized the importance of this transition, suggesting that the extended timeline will facilitate a smooth leadership shift before the conclusion of his contract in December 2026. The board has expressed confidence in Gorman's capabilities, reflecting on his extensive prior experience at Morgan Stanley, where he served as CEO and chairman until 2023. This leadership change comes amidst ongoing internal reviews of potential CEO candidates, highlighting the company’s commitment to a structured and thoughtful approach amid fluctuating market performance and investor concerns.