Gorman is also the chair of the Disney Board’s succession planning committee, which is working to identify and prepare the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
The Walt Disney Company has named James P. Gorman as chairman of the board, effective January 2, 2025. Gorman will succeed Mark G. Parker, who is departing after nine years of service.
Gorman is currently executive chairman of Morgan Stanley and will be stepping down from that role on December 31, 2024. He is also the chair of the Disney Board’s succession planning committee, which is working to identify and prepare the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Commenting on the development, Parker said: “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.”
“I am honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Disney’s chairman at this important moment in the company’s history,” Gorman said. “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.”
He continued: “A critical priority before us is to appoint a new CEO, which we now expect to announce in early 2026. This timing reflects the progress the succession planning committee and the board are making, and will allow ample time for a successful transition before the conclusion of Bob Iger’s contract in December 2026.”
