Disney broadens CEO search to external candidates to find Bob Igers successor

Embattled media giant Disney is expanding its search for Bob Iger’s successor beyond the the walls of the Magic Kingdom, according to a new report.The Mouse House had been mulling a handful of internal candidates, but is now working with recruiters from search firm Heidrick & Struggles to conduct its review of external contenders for the top job, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.One possible successor from the outside is Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson, a name that has been consistently floated in recent years.

The 50-year-old exec, who has served as EA chairman and CEO since 2013, has been in touch with Iger over the years.A source told The Post that Iger tried to get Wilson to run ESPN prior to Jimmy Pitaro’s appointment in 2018.“Iger is interested in him,” the source said.

“He’s young.He tried to get him to run ESPN.”Prior to becoming CEO, Wilson served as executive vice president of EA Sports and Origin, where he led the global EA Sports business, as well as EA’s digital PC service.

He also served as vice president and executive producer of all EA Sports’ FIFA games, growing it into one of the most popular video game franchises of all time.The search for Iger’s successor is being led by outgoing Morgan Stanley exec James Gorman, who will become chairman of Disney starting Jan.2.

He recently said that a successor to Iger will be announced in early 2026.Iger’s contract is set to expire at the end of 2026.

He returned in 2022 after the disastrous tenure of his hand-picked choice’s contract.The Journal reported that Wilson held talks about selling EA to Disney during Chapek’s reign, but the negotiations didn’t lead to a deal.The consideration of Wilson comes as The Mouse House has made a push into the video game space after taking a $1.5 billion stake in “Fortnite” creator Epic Games.Aside from considering outsiders, Disney’s board is also evaluating four internal candidates: Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana W...