Disney is set to name Bob Iger’s successor in early 2026, with Dana Walden and Josh D’Amaro emerging as top contenders. The possibility of a co-CEO arrangement similar to Netflix’s has been considered, but challenges specific to Disney’s corporate culture and Iger’s lingering influence may complicate such a move.

Netflix’s success with co-CEOs Sarandos and Peters is attributed to their complementary strengths and established working relationship under founder Reed Hastings. The structure has been effective, leading to significant share price gains since Peters joined as co-CEO in 2023.

Despite recent trends in co-CEO appointments at companies like Spotify, Oracle, and Comcast, traditional corporate governance experts caution against such arrangements. Concerns about dual authority and potential power struggles underscore the challenges of implementing a co-CEO model, especially in complex corporate environments like Disney’s.

While a dual CEO structure may work well for Netflix, Disney faces unique hurdles that could make such an arrangement problematic. The company’s history of contentious succession processes, Iger’s influential presence, and the lack of a clear tiebreaker like a controlling shareholder raise concerns about the feasibility and effectiveness of a co-CEO model at Disney.

In the face of increasing speculation about Disney’s CEO succession, the choice between Walden, D’Amaro, or a potential co-CEO arrangement remains a critical decision for the company. Balancing leadership dynamics, corporate culture considerations, and long-term stability will be key factors in determining the best path forward for Disney’s leadership transition.

Read more at CNBC: Why co-CEOs may be a bad idea