On Saturday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Dana Walden, a longtime friend of Vice President Kamala Harris, finds herself in a remarkably similar position to Harris, who is vying to become the nation’s first female president.
If Harris wins the presidential election on November 5, she will become the first female president of the United States.
Meanwhile, Walden is a leading contender for CEO of the Walt Disney Company, one of the world’s most influential media and entertainment giants. Disney’s board announced on October 22 that they aim to select a new CEO by early 2026, fueling speculation over the possibility of its first female leader.
According to U.S. media sources, Disney’s board chairman, James P. Gorman, has been conducting interviews with four high-ranking executives since he took charge of the succession planning committee in August. Those interviewed are ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, and Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, co-chairs of Disney Entertainment. Industry insiders suggest Disney could announce a successor as early as next year.
Harris and Walden, both 60, have birthdays just seven days apart. They first met in 1994, shortly after graduating from college, when they were both starting their careers. At that time, Walden worked in entertainment publicity, while Harris served as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California.
The two often vacation together with friends. Walden’s family lives not far from Harris’s home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Walden has actively supported Harris’s political activities, including fundraising efforts.
Harris made her mark early on by breaking barriers as the first woman in various legal and political roles. Walden has earned high praise in Hollywood as an executive behind several hit shows, including Modern Family, 24, and Ally McBeal. The Wall Street Journal notes that both Harris and Walden have faced succession challenges over the past four years due to aging leadership: Harris with President Joe Biden (81) seeking re-election, and Walden with Bob Iger (74) serving an extended tenure as CEO.
Biden initially pledged not to run for a second term but later reversed course, eventually endorsing Harris as the party’s candidate just three months before Election Day amid growing concerns over his age.
Iger served as Disney’s CEO for 15 years, starting in 2005, before handing over to Bob Chapek in 2020. However, after Chapek was ousted early due to poor performance, Iger returned in 2022 to lead Disney once again. Iger’s term is set to end in late 2026.
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