Disney’s CEO Transition Reignites Debate as Nelson Peltz Takes Aim at Bob Iger

The Walt Disney Company’s long-awaited CEO succession plan has sparked renewed controversy after activist investor Nelson Peltz publicly questioned the logic behind the board’s decision. Just hours after Disney confirmed Josh D’Amaro as the next chief executive, Peltz suggested the move was designed to keep outgoing CEO Bob Iger firmly involved in the company’s creative engine.

Nelson Peltz Questions the Motive Behind the Choice

Speaking at The Wall Street Journal’s Invest Live event, the Trian Fund Management co-founder said he “didn’t think there was any choice” in Disney’s succession plan. According to Peltz, selecting D’Amaro—who currently leads Disney Experiences—over Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden ensures Iger can continue to exert influence over the entertainment division even after stepping down as CEO.

The comments revive tensions between Nelson Peltz and Disney’s leadership, nearly two years after Trian’s high-profile proxy fight seeking board representation. While that battle ended without Peltz gaining a seat, his latest remarks signal that scrutiny of Disney’s governance remains intense.

Josh D’Amaro Named Disney’s Next CEO

Disney’s board unanimously voted to appoint Josh D’Amaro as CEO, effective March 18, 2026, following the company’s annual meeting. D’Amaro will succeed Bob Iger, who will remain on the board and serve as senior advisor through the end of 2026.

Josh D’Amaro, a 28-year Disney veteran, currently oversees the Disney Experiences segment—the company’s largest revenue generator, producing $36 billion in fiscal 2025. His tenure has been marked by major global expansions, rising guest satisfaction, and ambitious projects across theme parks, cruise lines, and consumer products.

Dana Walden Takes on a New Creative Power Role

Alongside the CEO announcement, Disney unveiled a newly created position: President and Chief Creative Officer. Dana Walden will assume the role, overseeing storytelling and creative strategy across all Disney platforms while reporting directly to D’Amaro.

The appointment is historic for the company and underscores Disney’s effort to balance operational leadership with creative continuity. Bob Iger praised Walden’s standing in the creative community, calling her a natural fit to safeguard Disney’s storytelling legacy.

Iger’s Lingering Influence Raises Governance Questions

Bob Iger’s continued involvement—as senior advisor and board member—has become a focal point for critics like Peltz. While Disney’s board credits Iger with stabilizing the company since his 2022 return, skeptics argue the structure blurs the line between transition and control.

Supporters counter that the arrangement provides stability at a time of industry disruption, particularly as Disney pushes for streaming profitability, ESPN’s digital expansion, and aggressive growth in its theme park business.

As Josh D’Amaro prepares to take the helm, Disney enters a pivotal chapter. Whether the transition represents a clean break or a carefully managed handoff under Iger’s watchful eye remains up for debate. What’s clear is that Disney’s leadership decisions will continue to attract attention—not just from shareholders, but from outspoken critics like Nelson Peltz.