Following the news that The Walt Disney Company board of directors plans to announce their next CEO next week, Variety is reporting that current CEO Bob Iger may leave the role before his contract is up.

Bob Iger May Step Down Before Contract Ends

Disney CEO Bob Iger’s contract will be up at the end of 2026, but sources say he’s looking to bow out early. Variety reported on the news, which was initially broken by The Wall Street Journal:

Iger has told “associates” that he plans to step down as CEO and “pull back from daily management” before the Dec. 31 end of his contract, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing anonymous sources.

A CEO announcement could come alongside the release of Disney’s earnings report for Q1 2026 on Monday, but that hasn’t been confirmed, although sources say that the news will definitely break next week.

Jimmy Kimmel Drama Behind Decision

Iger’s apparent decision is driven by the recent drama at ABC of the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel following the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s death. The move prompted investors to demand Disney share its records to understand the reasoning behind the decision. The situation reportedly left Iger “frustrated” and “ready to move on from the grind of being CEO.”

Meanwhile, Kimmel has struck a deal with Disney to continue airing until 2027.

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