As expected, Disney's board of directors has named executive James P. Gorman chairman of its succession planning committee as the search for an executive to replace Bob Iger as CEO intensifies.
Disney CEO Bob Iger: Succession is Board's No. 1 Priority
Gorman joined Disney’s board earlier this year after overseeing a recent succession process at Morgan Stanley, where he serves as executive chairman after several years as chairman and CEO of the financial giant. Given that background, it was pretty obvious he’d be tapped to do the same at Disney.
“James is a highly respected leader and we asked him to serve as the new chair of the Succession Planning Committee given his deep experience in succession planning and his long-term strategic mindset,” said Mark Parker, chairman of the Disney board of directors, who previously served as chair of the Succession Committee. “Succession planning is a top priority for the board and I look forward to continuing to work with James on the committee as we continue the important work we have already done to identify and prepare the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company,” Parker added.
In addition to Gorman and Parker, directors Mary T. Barra and Calvin R. McDonald will continue to serve on the Committee. All Committee members have direct experience in CEO and senior leader succession planning for Fortune 500 companies.
