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James Gorman will become chairman of Disney starting in 2025, with the company set to announce a new CEO in 2026
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 Oct 2024
James Gorman will become Disney chairman in 2025 Credit: Noen
James Gorman, the chairman of Morgan Stanley, will join Disney as its next chairman starting next year, with a new CEO to be announced in 2026.
Succeeding Mark Parker, who is set to leave Disney after nine years, Gorman will relinquish his role with Morgan Stanley at the end of the year, joining Disney on January 2nd, 2025.
Gorman is already chair for Disney’s Succession Planning Committee, which is working to identify a suitor for soon-to-be outgoing chair Bob Iger, who returned to Disney in 2022 less than three years after leaving the company. Iger was then supposed to leave Disney this year but extended his contract through to 2026 as the search for his successor continued.
“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,” said Iger.
“I’m extremely grateful to Mark Parker for his many years of board service and leadership, which have been so valuable to this company and its shareholders, and to me as CEO.”
The Disney board’s Succession Planning Committee is currently reviewing both internal candidates and external candidates. Joining Gorman on the Committee are directors Mary Barra and Calvin McDonald.
“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,” said Parker.
“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.”
Gorman added: “I am honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Disney’s Chairman at this important moment in the company’s history.
“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 honoured to serve with him as the Chairman of the Board.”
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