Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson is reportedly one of the candidates to become the next head of Disney. The individual would be the one to succeed Bob Iger in 2026.
The situation comes as Disney is seemingly trying to select external candidates to replace longtime CEO Iger. Wilson's name appeared alongside many other notable people in the business in the industry.
Andrew Wilson as Disney Head Candidate
These include Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden, Disney Parks chairman Josh D'Amaro, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, and Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. Wilson's candidacy comes as EA has had a long-running relationship with Disney.
This is because the Star Wars games that were developed by the company were able to sell more than 52 million copies in total. All of these titles have generated more than $3 billion in revenue for the company.
EA is currently working on new titles based on the Marvel and Star Wars franchises, including a Star Wars Jedi threequel and Iron Man-themed games.
Wilson has worked for a long time under the EA brand and has served as its CEO since 2013, according to Game Spot.
Wilson also almost took over as the chairman of ESPN in 2018, which later went to Pitaro. Various reports also noted that Disney was looking to buy EA during the time of former CEO Bob Chapek. Efforts to replace Iger come amid several controversies surrounding him.
Disney has faced widespread criticism for its heavy reliance on sequels over original content. This is despite enjoying massive success from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Star Wars franchise.
Replacing Bob Iger
Wilson had also served as the executive vice president of EA Sports and Origin. At the time, he led the global EA Sports business and the company's digital PC service.
He was also vice president and executive producer of all EA Sports' FIFA games before, the New York Post said.
The search for a replacement for Iger comes after Disney named James Gorman as chairman in October, with the decision taking effect Jan. 2, 2025. Gorman was the one who led the board's CEO search committee.
The company noted that the committee was expecting to announce a successor to Iger in early 2026. This suggested that Disney was looking to expand its search to more than just the four division bosses who were previously considered as candidates.
Gorman, on the other hand, oversaw the recent succession process at Morgan Stanley. This is where previously served as CEO. The board also tapped him in August to lead the CEO succession committee, according to Variety.
