As of early 2026, The Walt Disney Company has never had a Black CEO. Since its founding in 1923, the role of Chief Executive Officer has been held by a succession of white men: Walt Disney, Roy O. Disney, Donn Tatum, Card Walker, Ron W. Miller, Michael Eisner, Bob Iger, and Bob Chapek. While Bob Iger returned to the role in late 2022 and remains the CEO as of current reporting, there has been significant public and shareholder discussion regarding diversity in the "succession planning" for his eventual replacement. However, Disney has appointed Black individuals to other extremely high-level leadership positions. For example, Kareem Daniel served as the Chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, one of the most powerful roles in the company, before his departure in late 2022. Additionally, Calvin McDonald (who is white) is sometimes confused in discussions about diversity, but the company has appointed several Black members to its Board of Directors over the years, such as Mark Parker (current Chairman) and Derica Rice. The search for Iger's successor remains a major topic in the entertainment industry, with many watching to see if Disney will make history by appointing its first person of color or woman to the top executive spot in the near future.