Disney Stock Slips After Morgan Stanley's Gorman Named Chairman, But Retail Sentiment At Yearly Peak

Shares of Walt Disney Co. ($DIS) slipped slightly following a significant leadership update, even as retail sentiment hit a more optimistic tone. 

The board of directors announced James Gorman, currently executive chairman of Morgan Stanley ($MS), will become chairman of Disney effective Jan. 2, 2025, succeeding Mark Parker, who is stepping down after nine years.

Gorman, who will leave his role at Morgan Stanley on Dec. 31, chairs Disney’s succession planning committee, tasked with identifying the next CEO. 

Gorman stated that the appointment is expected to be announced in early 2026, ensuring a smooth transition ahead of Bob Iger’s contract expiration in December 2026.

Despite the marginal stock drop, retail sentiment on Stocktwits was ‘extremely bullish’ (93/100) as of 10:45 a.m. ET, marking the highest score in a year.

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Disney’s CEO succession of late has been stormy, with Iger returning to the role in late 2022 after the ousting of his chosen successor, Bob Chapek. 

The company has since adopted a formal succession planning process, which Gorman oversees, according to Bloomberg.

Despite recent challenges, including a slowdown in consumer activity at its parks, some analysts remain optimistic about Disney’s strong content pipeline and recent box office successes, such as “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

Year-to-date, DIS stock has risen nearly 7%, lagging behind the benchmark S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices.

For updates and corrections email newsroom@stocktwits.com

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