Disney's CEO succession drama is hurting the stock price
DisneyDisney(US:DIS) Yahoo Finance·2026-01-27 14:19

Group 1 - The ongoing CEO succession process at Disney is creating uncertainty that negatively impacts its stock performance, with shares down 1% over the past year compared to a 12% gain in the Dow Jones Industrial Average [1][3]. - J.P. Morgan analyst David Karnovsky anticipates a resolution to the leadership succession issue in the near term, suggesting that while major strategic shifts are unlikely, the announcement of a new CEO could serve as a catalyst for the stock [2]. - Four internal candidates are reportedly being considered for the CEO position, with Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, Josh D'Amaro, and Jimmy Pitaro in the running, and Walden and D'Amaro are seen as top contenders [4]. Group 2 - The previous CEO succession process was marred by issues, particularly the firing of Bob Chapek, which highlights the importance of executing the current search flawlessly [5]. - The new CEO will face significant challenges in a rapidly changing media landscape, particularly with competitors like Netflix and the newly formed Paramount Skydance vying for market share [7]. - The media industry is undergoing considerable transformation, with Netflix currently leading a $72 billion all-cash offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, which could reshape competition in the sector [7].