In a move that is sure to raise some eyebrows, The Walt Disney Company announced that Dana Walden, Co-Chairman, Disney Entertainment, will be participating in the upcoming Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, And Telecom Conference. The eyebrows will be raised as in previous years, the Disney CEO or CFO has been the one to participate in this conference. Bob Iger, Bob Chapek, and former Disney CFO Christine McCarthy have all represented Disney at this conference.
Disney is expected to announce who will be the next person to lead the company as CEO in early 2026. With that in mind, Disney watchers are looking for indicators of who might take over the CEO role. Walden’s participating in this conference could be seen as a clue. She has been commonly recognized as someone who is on the short list to take over as CEO when Bob Iger retires.
The announcement that Dana Walden would be representing Disney for this event was released by the company on Tuesday:
The Walt Disney Company To Participate In The Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, And Telecom Conference
BURBANK, Calif., February 25, 2025 – Dana Walden, Co-Chairman, Disney Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) will participate in a question-and-answer session at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at approximately 6:20 p.m. ET/ 3:20 p.m. PT.
To stream live, please visit www.disney.com/investors. A recording of the question-and-answer session will be archived on our website.
At this point, Disney has not made any comment or confirmation about who will be its next CEO. Disney Chairman of the Board James P. Gorman previously stated, “A critical priority before us is to appoint a new CEO, which we now expect to announce in early 2026. This timing reflects the progress the Succession Planning Committee and the Board are making, and will allow ample time for a successful transition before the conclusion of Bob Iger’s contract in December 2026.”
What do you think of Dana Walden taking on this Morgan Stanley conference? Is it indicative of a potential leaning for a future CEO? Is it an audition? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
