People familiar with the situation claim that Dana Walden is a candidate to succeed Bob Iger as Disney CEO.

Walden would become Disney's first female CEO in the company's 100-year history if she is selected. Some veteran Disney executives doubt that her background is appropriate for the position of president, despite her demonstrated abilities as a TV executive. More than 20 friends and coworkers discussed her advantages, disadvantages, and the possibility that she will succeed Iger with CNBC.

According to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the talks are private, Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, is in internal competition to be named the company's next CEO alongside co-chairs Josh D'Amaro of Disney Experiences, Jimmy Pitaro of ESPN, and Alan Bergman of Entertainment.

Iger plans to choose a successor at Disney and train them before leaving in 2026. Nelson Peltz from Trian Partners threatens his control over Disney's future and is fighting to maintain it.

Peltz has said that since Iger has postponed his retirement five times and returned as CEO after Bob Chapek was dismissed in 2022, he should help in searching for a new CEO. Peltz asserted that there is no way to trust the Disney board to manage succession. At Wednesday's annual meeting, Disney shareholders will cast their votes regarding Peltz's candidacy for the board.

Disney's executives, despite not having inside knowledge of the selection process and possibly being biased due to their close relationship with Walden, believe that the 59-year-old is the top contender for the top position. She is a successful TV executive, trusted by Disney board members, close to Iger, and being a female executive has symbolic importance.