Josh D’Amaro Named Disney CEO, Replaces Bob Iger

The Walt Disney Company has named Josh D’Amaro as its new CEO, succeeding Bob Iger. D’Amaro, who has led Disney’s theme parks and consumer products division, will officially take over on March 18, coinciding with Disney’s annual meeting. Iger, who has almost two decades of service in the CEO role, will transition to senior adviser and continue on the Disney board until his retirement at the end of 2026.

Leadership Transition at Disney

Josh D’Amaro, age 54, brings nearly 30 years of experience with Disney, having started at Disneyland in 1998. He previously held various significant roles, including CFO of Global Licensing and president of both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. His most recent position was head of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, which he has held since May 2020.

The board’s decision to select D’Amaro followed a thorough succession process after Iger’s previous attempt to hand over leadership to Bob Chapek resulted in issues. The board is led by chairman James Gorman, who emphasized the importance of strong leadership for Disney’s future.

D’Amaro’s Vision for Disney

• D’Amaro oversees a $60 billion expansion plan for Disney’s theme parks globally.
• He aims to combine creativity with operational excellence, continuing to innovate and provide value.
• D’Amaro expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead a company integral to millions worldwide.

In addition, Dana Walden, previously considered a leading candidate for CEO, has been elevated to president and chief creative officer, also effective March 18. Iger highlighted Walden’s extensive knowledge and leadership skills as invaluable to Disney’s creative endeavors.

Challenges Ahead

This leadership change arrives during a transformative period for the entertainment industry, particularly as traditional media faces challenges. D’Amaro’s leadership is expected to focus on leveraging Disney’s strong brand while addressing evolving market dynamics.

What Lies Ahead for Disney

As the new CEO, D’Amaro faces significant challenges, including balancing the success of parks with the performance of the entertainment sector. Iger noted the growing competition between D’Amaro’s parks division and Walden’s entertainment division, both crucial for the company’s profitability moving forward.

The Disney board is committed to ensuring a smooth transition as they prepare for continuing changes in the market. D’Amaro’s appointment signals a new chapter aimed at preserving Disney’s legacy while embracing innovation.