In Search of the New Iger

The ongoing quest.

Disney Starts Search For New CEO

... Bob Iger, Disney's current CEO, will be ready to leave in 2016, which means the search for a replacement is already underway.

•Ann Sweeney, head of the Disney/ABC TV Group, recently left Disney, likely in part due to being out of the running for CEO...

After 12 years at Nickelodeon and 3 years at FX, Sweeney rose through the Disney ranks and has headed the Disney/ABC TV Group since 2004. Sweeney was not being considered in the running for the CEO position of the Disney conglomerate, which could make her decision to take her career in a new direction more understandable. ...

Other names are in contention for the Disney top spot, including James Rasulo, the company's chief financial officer, and Thomas Staggs, chairman of the theme park unit. The two men have significant experience at Disney and would provide a smooth transition for company. However, it could be that the company is looking for a more innovative vision for the future that only fresh blood could provide.

Sheryl Sandberg, who sits on the Disney board, is another name frequently mentioned. With her background at Facebook and Google, she has the foresight necessary to provide a vision for the future. ...

Lots of speculation at this point about who ends up getting the top spot.

But one thing seems likely: The current CEO will not be departing under the black cloud the previous CEO had hovering over him. If anything, there will be a lively fireworks display and a nice exit package when Robert Iger at last heads out the door.