Disney Parks Chief Is Looking Very Much Like the CEO in Waiting

Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger was chatting at the Farmshop restaurant in Santa Monica, California, a couple weeks ago when the conversation turned tense.

His breakfast partner suggested Josh D’Amaro, head of Disney’s theme-parks division, “will do a great job when he’s appointed CEO.” Iger bristled, according to a person who witnessed the exchange. He raised his voice, saying the board hadn’t made a decision and that he had “no idea” where that notion was coming from.

Josh D’Amaro

Photographer: VCG/Getty Images

The conversation reflects a growing consensus among many Disney executives, former executives and industry leaders that D’Amaro will ...