Bob Iger has successfully convinced investors that he is turning Disney around after winning a proxy battle against Nelson Peltz and his Trian Partners fund. However, the success of Iger’s efforts will ultimately depend on his ability to find a suitable successor, which has historically been a challenge for him.
Following the victory, Iger is now focused on what comes next and dedicating significant time and effort to proving to investors that he is on the right track. This has involved cost-cutting measures, turning streaming into a profitable business, and exploring new ventures to drive future growth. Wall Street has responded positively to Iger’s efforts with Disney’s stock rising by 35% this year.
Despite his progress, one of Peltz’s strongest criticisms has been Iger’s failure to identify a suitable replacement. Despite previous missteps, Iger is now promising to rectify this issue by having a successor ready when he steps down in 2026. However, it may be challenging for an outsider to assess progress on this front as internal candidates such as Dana Walden and Jimmy Pitaro are being considered along with the possibility of an external hire.
Investors will likely test their patience as they wait to see how this leadership transition unfolds in the coming years. Ultimately, whether or not Iger has truly turned the corner for Disney will depend on his ability to find a capable successor who can continue driving growth and profitability for the company long after he steps down.
