Josh D’Amaro Triumphs in Disney CEO Succession, Replacing Bob Iger

Disney has announced a significant leadership change with Josh D’Amaro taking over as CEO, succeeding Bob Iger. This transition comes after a two-year wait as the board carefully considered internal candidates. D’Amaro, who previously led Disney’s parks division, brings 28 years of experience within the company.

New Leadership at Disney

On March 18, 2026, D’Amaro will formally start his tenure as Disney’s CEO. Iger, widely regarded as one of the most successful CEOs, will transition to an advisory role until his retirement at the end of 2026. Alongside D’Amaro, Dana Walden has been promoted to president and chief creative officer, overseeing television, streaming, and film.

Key Appointments

• Josh D’Amaro: Expected to bring a deep understanding of the Disney brand through his experience in theme parks and global expansion.
• Dana Walden: Elevated to a powerful position with responsibilities in creative and content decisions.

Assessment of Candidates

The choice of D’Amaro followed a detailed evaluation of various candidates, including Disney’s own executives like Bruce Vaughn and Thomas Mazloum. Wall Street analysts have favored the selection, citing D’Amaro’s extensive experience and growth potential in Disney’s parks division.

In his time leading Disney’s parks and consumer products, D’Amaro demonstrated strong leadership capabilities. Meanwhile, Walden, who joined Disney after the acquisition of 20th Century Fox, is recognized for her respect in Hollywood and her role in enhancing Disney’s streaming platforms, including Disney+ and Hulu.

Challenges Ahead

This leadership transition aims to resolve issues that arose during prior leadership changes. The tumultuous tenure of Bob Chapek underscored the need for a clear and effective succession plan at Disney. D’Amaro’s ability to manage complex demands while steering Disney’s extensive portfolio will be crucial.

Financial Incentives

Walden’s new contract includes a significant annual base salary of $3.75 million, with potential bonuses and stock awards, leading to an estimated annual income of $24 million. D’Amaro’s overall compensation is expected to be around $38 million, reflecting the high stakes of their new roles.

The Road Ahead

As D’Amaro and Walden step into their new positions, they will jointly tackle the challenges presented by the evolving entertainment industry. Their complementary skills aim to bolster Disney’s brand stewardship while navigating critiques of its family-friendly content amidst changing societal values.

Under D’Amaro’s leadership, Disney aspires to modernize its operations while maintaining its creative legacy, positioning itself for growth in an increasingly competitive market.