Tom Staggs is to step down from the position of COO at Walt Disney Co on May 6.
Reuters reports that the move is unexpected, given that Staggs had been in the role for just over a year and was widely expected to become its next CEO.
Quoted an unnamed source familiar with the situation, Reuters adds that Staggs had learned he was not guaranteed the CEO position, which is currently held by Bob Iger, who is due to retire in June 2018.
Staggs, who has been with Disney since 1990, will remain as a special advisor until the end of the financial year this September.