Disney considers EA CEO as the long-term successor to Bob Iger

Disney has reportedly set its sights on EA CEO Andrew Wilson to replace Bob Iger. Wilson is considered a front-runner for the job due to his 24-year tenure as CEO at EA. Bob Iger will step down in 2026 after previously coming out of retirement to lead the media company.

The media company is among the largest mass media and entertainment companies in the US. The multinational entertainment juggernaut has expanded its reach, dabbling in different forms of media over the years under Bob Iger’s stewardship. However, with Iger’s tenure set to end soon, the media company has been looking for a new CEO to spearhead it into the future.

Disney eyes Andrew Wilson as new CEO

NEW: Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson has emerged as a potential external candidate to succeed Bob Iger as Disney CEO, according to the @WSJ.

Story: https://t.co/dtwJyOGcvh pic.twitter.com/ygWSWk8Cq8

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 12, 2024

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the Disney board’s CEO succession-planning committee, led by James Gorman, is working with recruiters from the firm Heidrick & Struggles to narrow the list of possible candidates. The multinational company had stated that the CEO position would be filled in early 2026. According to the report, Electronic Arts chief Andrew Wilson is among the candidates being considered for the job, trumping the initial idea that the succession was an internal competition between four Disney executives.

The report stated that the initial succession was believed to involve internal candidates. The most prominent figures featured were the co-chairs of Disney’s entertainment division, Dana Walden and Alan Bergman. Josh D’Amaro, who heads theme parks and experiences, was also reported as a key figure in the race. However, after James Gorman took over the succession process, external candidates such as Wilson were added to the list to find a successor who properly matched Disney’s plans to expand into the lucrative gaming and streaming sectors.

While the media company has not publicly confirmed Wilson’s candidacy, he remains a key figure in the succession race. Wilson was cited as having extensive experience during his 24-year tenure at EA. The EA CEO’s relationship with the media company was also brought up. Wilson had previously interviewed for a top position at ESPN in 2018. During previous CEO Bob Chapek’s tenure, the EA CEO was also involved in talks to sell EA to Disney. 

Disney focuses on its next chapter 

Over the last 15 years under Iger, Disney has expanded beyond its initial paradigms and forayed into new sectors. The multinational developed and launched its streaming platform Disney +. The company also purchased companies such as Marvel,  21st Century Fox, and Pixar. The gaming sector was not left behind, with Disney rebranding Lucasfilm Games and partnering with Fortnite developer Epic Games in a $1.5 billion deal. The media company’s future plans also include collaborations with partners such as Respawn Entertainment to develop games under the fan-favorite Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises.

With Iger’s reign at the company’s helm nearing its sunset for the second time, Disney is rushing to select a suitable successor. Iger explored the idea of co-CEOs during a call with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. However, no report has confirmed whether Disney will follow the streaming service company’s example. With Wilson among the candidates for succession, the decision may reflect the company’s search for a well-versed chief in managing corporations in interactive entertainment sectors.