Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, is being considered for the position of Disney’s next CEO, according to sources familiar with the process. If appointed, she would become the first female CEO in Disney’s history. Walden’s career trajectory has been impressive, starting with her recruitment by Peter Chernin, former president of 20th Century Fox Filmed Entertainment. Walden’s boldness and determination to secure top talent caught Chernin’s attention and led to her role in TV programming. Walden has since built a successful career in the TV industry, with notable hits like “24,” “Homeland,” and “Modern Family” under her belt.
However, Walden faces stiff competition internally, with other Disney division heads vying for the CEO position. Critics have raised concerns about Walden’s lack of experience in running parks and resorts, as well as her business acumen. They question whether she has the necessary depth of knowledge to handle the complex tasks and responsibilities that come with being a CEO. Some former colleagues have also expressed doubts about her ability to handle financial matters.
Despite these criticisms, Walden has garnered support from many who believe she is the frontrunner for the top job. Her close relationship with current CEO Bob Iger, her successful track record in the TV industry, and her trust among Disney board members all work in her favor. Supporters describe her as the “single best talent exec to come out of TV in the last 20 years” and believe she would be an outstanding CEO.
Walden’s Hollywood ties and her ability to build lasting relationships with showrunners and producers have been crucial to her success. She has a keen eye for creative talent and is known for her constructive feedback on scripts. Walden’s taste, discipline in managing budgets, and honesty about what works and what doesn’t have set her apart from other TV executives.
Walden’s journey to Disney was not without its challenges. When Disney acquired Fox, Walden initially hoped to run Disney’s TV unit but was passed over in favor of Peter Rice, her former boss at Fox. Despite her disappointment, Walden stayed at Disney and eventually took over Rice’s position when he was fired in 2022.
If Walden were appointed CEO, she would be breaking the glass ceiling at Disney. Female executives often face persistent stereotypes and questions about their ability to scale and be successful business leaders. However, Walden’s supporters dismiss these concerns as either incorrect or driven by biases against female executives.
Ultimately, the decision of who will be Disney’s next CEO lies with the board, but current CEO Bob Iger is expected to have a significant influence. The direction that Disney envisions for its future will play a crucial role in the selection process. Whether it’s prioritizing the parks, ESPN’s digital transformation, or creative taste and relationships, the next CEO will have a challenging task of leading the company in a rapidly changing media landscape.
