Bloomberg Talks Disney Chairman James Gorman Talks Bob Iger Succession, Josh D'Amaro
Feb 3, 2026
James Gorman, chairman of the Walt Disney Company and former Morgan Stanley CEO, discusses selecting Josh D’Amaro as Bob Iger’s successor and shaping a smooth leadership transition. He explains why D’Amaro’s parks and creative strengths matter. Talks also cover Iger’s advisory role through 2026, talent retention moves like Dana Walden’s promotion, and the board’s wide succession search.
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Parks Experience As Strategic Strength
- James Gorman says Josh D’Amaro combines strategic leadership with creative instincts and global operational experience.
- Gorman argues Josh is the right leader as Disney invests $60 billion in parks and related experiences.
Define Goals After Transition
- The board will set strategic moves and metrics once Josh settles into the CEO role.
- Gorman emphasizes working with Josh and the team to define measures of success over time.
Iger's Two Careers And Return
- Gorman recounts Bob Iger's two careers at Disney and the transformational deals he completed with industry icons.
- He describes Bob’s return mandate to steady the company and prepare internal candidates for potential succession.