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ESPN President Reportedly Makes Decision On Disney CEO Job

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 18, 2025 3:59 PM ET

Disney may have one fewer iternal option to succeed Bob Iger as CEO.

ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro has surfaced as a potential replacement for Iger, who plans to step down when his contract expires at the end of 2026. Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw reported Sunday that the Disney board identified Pitaro, Dana Walden, Josh D'Amaro, and Alan Bergman as the four leading candidates within the company.

However, Pitaro reportedly won't pursue the position.

"Pitaro has communicated to both friends and the board that he’s not interested in the role," Shaw wrote.

According to Shaw, Walden and D'Amaro are considered the top choices over Bergman, who "has never been seen as an equal rival for the top job." Yet Disney is still exploring external options. Recruiters have vetted Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson and Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz for the positions.

Disney plans to name a new CEO in early 2026. Given the past mess, there is extra pressure for a smooth selection and transition.

Iger retired in 2020 and his hand-picked successor, Bob Chapek, guided Disney through the pandemic before signing a three-year extension in June 2022. Months later, Iger officially returned to his former role.

Per Front Office Sports, one source mentioned the "hazardous" ordeal when speculating on why Pitaro may want to avoid the job. FOS also likened replacing Iger to coaching the New England Patriots after Bill Belichick when claiming that, "You don’t want to replace the guy—you want to replace the guy who replaces the guy."

After previously working at Yahoo, Pitaro became Disney Interactive's co-president in 2010. He was named ESPN President in March 2018 and Chairman two years ago.

FOS noted that Pitaro called his current position his "dream job" at last year's ESPN media event.

"I'm very fortunate and blessed to be surrounded by the best executives in the industry, starting with my direct reports," Pitaro said. "And every day I get out of my bed and say to myself one thing … I have to earn this today. I feel fortunate to be here."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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