Bob Iger Stepping Down as Disney CEO Before End of 2026, Report Claims

by

It looks like Bob Iger’s time as CEO of The Walt Disney Company is nearing its end, once more. A new report from Variety says Iger has told people close to him that he intends to leave his role and reduce his daily involvement with the company before his contract expires in December 2026.

Although the company hasn’t made a formal announcement, internal communication suggests that Bob Iger is preparing to step down.

It feels like we’re watching the end of a really strange chapter for the company. Our CEO initially stepped down, then came back when things got tough, and now it looks like they’re getting ready to leave again, this time with a lot more pressure on everyone. It’s been a wild ride, and honestly, it feels like it’s finally coming to a close.

A Second Exit After a Turbulent Return

Bob Iger first left his role as CEO in 2021 after leading Disney for 15 years, a period marked by major purchases like Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. The executive he chose to replace him, Bob Chapek, was removed by Disney’s board of directors less than two years later, in late 2022.

While presented as a way to steady the ship and refocus Disney after a period of uncertainty, Bob Iger’s return has been viewed by many observers as something more complex than just a stabilizing force.

To many, Bob Iger’s return didn’t seem like a rescue mission for the company, but rather a strategic move to regain control from his hand-picked replacement. Critics say Iger didn’t give Bob Chapek a fair chance to lead, instead consistently influencing decisions and weakening Chapek’s position. Ultimately, Iger benefited from a difficult situation that created an opening for him to become CEO again.

Considering everything, Bob Iger’s return isn’t seen as a desperate attempt to fix things, but rather as the result of a leadership plan that wasn’t given a real chance to work out.

Even after more than three years, the problems Bob Iger came back to fix haven’t completely disappeared.

Disney is facing challenges on many fronts, including unpredictable movie theater revenue, difficulties making its streaming service profitable, internal disagreements about company culture, and a widening gap between what Disney is trying to do and what audiences want. Recent reports that CEO Bob Iger might want to retire indicate the company’s board could soon be searching for a new leader without a clear plan in place.

Internal Friction and Burnout

According to a report in Variety, Bob Iger has been frustrated with the pressures of his job and disagreements within the company. These internal issues have been especially noticeable with ABC and controversies involving its shows, such as the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel after he shared inaccurate information following the death of Charlie Kirk.

As a lifelong Disney fan, I’ve noticed it’s been a rough few years for the company. While they try to put on a happy face, they’ve really been dealing with a lot behind the scenes – things like bad press, political arguments, and people questioning what Disney is these days. It feels like they’re constantly trying to repair their image and figure out where they stand.

Sources say Iger has indicated he’s tiring of the challenges of running Disney, particularly with the increased pressure from viewers, shareholders, and politicians. He apparently doesn’t find managing such a large company in its current condition enjoyable anymore.

The timing of Iger’s departure is significant. Unlike his previous exit, he’s not leaving while Disney is at its strongest. Instead, he’s stepping down as the company is still trying to figure out its future direction.

The Succession Question — Again

Disney’s board anticipates naming a new CEO around the beginning of 2026, and they’ve reportedly begun considering potential candidates.

Two internal names are widely viewed as frontrunners:

  • Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, who oversees theme parks, resorts, cruises, and consumer products (the company’s only profitable division)
  • Dana Walden, Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment, whose portfolio includes television networks and streaming operations

The two candidates have very different ideas for Disney’s future. D’Amaro has a background in the successful parks and consumer products side of the business. Walden, however, is focused on content and streaming, which investors are starting to question.

This decision will probably show if Disney plans to focus more on things like theme parks and leveraging beloved classic brands, or if they’ll keep investing in creating more content and growing their streaming service, even though it’s currently losing money.

What This Really Signals About Disney

As a huge Disney fan, Bob Iger suddenly leaving feels like more than just a change at the top. It’s almost like they’re admitting that Disney’s current struggles aren’t something a new CEO with a great resume can just fix overnight. It’s a deeper issue than just who’s running the show.

Bringing him back was supposed to reassure everyone, but it’s actually drawn attention to the serious challenges Disney now faces. In today’s entertainment world, simply having a well-known brand isn’t enough to keep audiences engaged, and taking sides on issues is pushing away many of their loyal fans.

The next CEO of Disney will face significant challenges, including rebuilding trust with fans, strengthening the company’s creative direction, and improving its financial stability. The company is currently struggling with all of these areas.

Read More

2026-02-01 21:57