The entertainment industry is abuzz with speculation over who will succeed Bob Iger as CEO of Disney. As the legendary executive prepares to step down in 2026, attention has naturally turned to potential candidates who could lead the media giant into its next era. One name that has frequently come up in conversations is Ted Sarandos, the co-CEO of Netflix, given his immense experience and influence in the streaming industry. However, Sarandos has made it clear that running Disney is not on his agenda.
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During a recent fireside chat with The Wall Street Journal, Sarandos dismissed the possibility of leaving Netflix to replace Iger, stating that such an idea was “not even on my mind, really.” He emphasized that he is far more focused on what lies ahead for Netflix, noting, “Honestly, I think what we are doing is so exciting.” His statement underscores his commitment to the streaming giant that he has helped shape into a global entertainment powerhouse.
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A New Era for Disney
Disney, one of the largest and most successful media conglomerates in the world, is on the hunt for its next leader as Bob Iger prepares for retirement. Iger’s legacy at Disney is monumental, with transformative acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox under his belt. The search for his successor has been ongoing, with many eager to see who will take the reins of the company. Initially expected to step down in 2025, Iger will now remain at the helm until early 2026, giving Disney more time to identify the right candidate.
Leading the search for Iger’s successor is James Gorman, who will replace Mark Parker as the chair of Disney’s board of directors. Gorman’s task is not an easy one. The company will have to decide whether to promote an internal candidate or look outside for someone with fresh ideas and the ability to steer Disney through a rapidly evolving media landscape.
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Among the internal contenders are Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro, and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro. These seasoned executives have long-standing experience within Disney, making them well-positioned to take over the company’s top role. However, industry speculation continues to swirl around the possibility of an external hire, which is where Sarandos’ name first emerged.
Ted Sarandos: Netflix’s Visionary Leader
Ted Sarandos has been with Netflix for over 25 years and has played a key role in transforming the company from a DVD rental service to a global streaming behemoth. Since being named co-CEO in 2020, Sarandos has overseen Netflix’s content development, while his counterpart, Greg Peters, focuses on the company’s technological efforts. This co-CEO model has proven successful for Netflix, with Sarandos recently remarking, “The co-CEO model works uniquely well.” Together with Peters, Sarandos has helped Netflix continue to innovate and maintain its position as a leading player in the highly competitive streaming space.
Despite facing increasing competition from platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, Netflix continues to grow. The company reported strong third-quarter earnings in 2024, attributing part of its success to the expansion of its ad-supported subscription tier. This move marked a significant shift in Netflix’s business strategy, and early results suggest that the ad business is off to a strong start. As Netflix looks to the future, Sarandos is laser-focused on keeping the company at the forefront of the streaming revolution.
Disney’s Leadership Challenge
Disney, on the other hand, faces a leadership challenge of a different kind. The company’s previous attempt to replace Bob Iger was fraught with difficulties. When Iger first stepped down in 2020, his successor, Bob Chapek, struggled to navigate the role, leading to tension between the two executives. Chapek’s tenure was marked by disagreements over leadership style and strategy, particularly during the pandemic, which led to his eventual ouster in 2022. Iger returned to stabilize the company, but this leadership turbulence has heightened the stakes for Disney’s current search for a new CEO.
Sarandos’ rejection of the Disney CEO role may come as a disappointment to those who viewed him as a natural successor to Iger, given his vast experience in media and entertainment. However, it also speaks to the growing divide between traditional media companies like Disney and tech-driven platforms like Netflix. While Disney is grappling with its future in an increasingly digital world, Netflix is leading the charge in the streaming revolution. This fundamental difference in priorities may explain why Sarandos feels more aligned with Netflix’s innovative culture than with Disney’s more traditional, albeit expansive, media empire.
The Road Ahead for Sarandos and Netflix
Sarandos’ commitment to Netflix signals a clear path forward for the company. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Netflix is doubling down on original content, expanding its global footprint, and finding new ways to engage audiences through interactive and immersive storytelling. The introduction of ad-supported tiers, partnerships with major brands, and even ventures into gaming indicate that Netflix is not content to rest on its laurels.
For Sarandos, the future lies in continuing to push the boundaries of entertainment, not taking over a company like Disney. With over two decades of experience at Netflix, Sarandos is well-equipped to navigate the ever-changing dynamics of the media industry. While Disney will undoubtedly find a worthy successor to Iger, Sarandos has made it clear that his focus remains on leading Netflix into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
In the end, while the question of who will replace Bob Iger looms large, Ted Sarandos has made it clear that he won’t be stepping into that role. Instead, he remains committed to Netflix, a company that has redefined entertainment for millions worldwide.
