<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0y9Y3I_0wFZMMPL00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0y9Y3I_0wFZMMPL00" width="396" height="396" ></figure>The Walt Disney Company has named James Gorman, leader of the committee to identify CEO Bob Iger’s successor, as chairman of the board, effective January 2, 2025.<h2>James Gorman Named Disney Board Chairman</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4TANv0_0wFZMMPL00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4TANv0_0wFZMMPL00" width="1015" height="1064" ></figure>According to a report from Variety, Gorman will succeed Mark G. Parker, who is leaving the Disney Board on January 2, following nine years of service.<blockquote>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.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, Bob Iger and his exemplary management team for their continued strong leadership and dedication.Mark G. Parker</blockquote>Gorman is currently the chair of the succession committee tasked with finding Disney’s next CEO to replace Bob Iger, whose contract ends in December 2026. A new CEO is expected to be announced in early 2026.He is also Executive Chairman of Morgan Stanley, but will step down from that role as previously announced on December 31, 2024.<blockquote>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.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.Bob Iger</blockquote>Other members of the succession planning committee include directors Mary Barra and Calvin McDonald, and Parker, until his departure in 2025. According to Disney, the committee met six times during fiscal year 2024, and the full board discussed succession at each of its regularly scheduled meetings during FY2024. The committee and the board “continue to review internal candidates and external candidates,” according to Disney.<blockquote>I am honored 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 honored to serve with him as the Chairman of the Board.James P. Gorman</blockquote>For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.</div></body>

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Disney Names James Gorman as New Board Chairman

The Walt Disney Company has named James Gorman, leader of the committee to identify CEO Bob Iger’s successor, as chairman of the board, effective January 2, 2025. According to a report from Variety, Gorman will succeed Mark G. Parker, who is leaving the Disney Board on January 2, following nine years of service.