James Murdoch Seen As Possible Disney CEO—Report

If the Walt Disney Co. and 21st Century Fox work out their deal to sell asset to Disney for stock, James Murdoch could become a potential successor to Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Iger has pushed back his retirement date several times and some previous heirs apparent have been ushered out of the entertainment company. Iger is currently schedule to retire in 2019.

James Murdoch is the younger son of 21st Century Fox chairman Rupert Murdoch. According to a report in the Financial Times, James Murdoch is likely to take a senior executive role with Disney because of his knowledge of the Fox assets and the global TV market. According to people briefed on the talks, James Murdoch has been suggested as a potential successor to Iger, the FT said.

Related: Disney, Fox Close In on Deal

James Murdoch became CEO, succeeding his father two years ago. His brother Lachlan was named co-executive chairman along with Rupert Murdoch.

James Murdoch declined to address speculation about the deal during an investor conference Tuesday.

The deal being discussed would have Disney acquire from Fox movie and TV studios, cable channels, international businesses and regional sports network in the U.S. in a stock deal worth about $60 billion.

Comcast is also discussing assets from Fox, according to reports.

Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.