Disney’s New CEO: Josh D’Amaro & the Future of the Magic Kingdom
- The Walt Disney Company has named Josh D’Amaro as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective March 18, 2026.
- D’Amaro, currently Chairman of Disney Experiences, inherits a company navigating a complex landscape of streaming competition, a challenging theatrical market, and the evolving impact of artificial intelligence.
- The decision to elevate D’Amaro, who has been with Disney for 28 years, signals a prioritization of stability after the turbulent tenure of Bob Chapek, who served as...
The Walt Disney Company has named Josh D’Amaro as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective . The announcement, made today, , concludes a closely watched succession process following Bob Iger’s impending departure. Iger will remain with the company as a board member and senior advisor through the end of the year, .
D’Amaro, currently Chairman of Disney Experiences, inherits a company navigating a complex landscape of streaming competition, a challenging theatrical market, and the evolving impact of artificial intelligence. His appointment marks the second time Disney has selected a successor to Iger in six years, a fact acknowledged as a point of emphasis in ensuring a smoother transition this time around.
The decision to elevate D’Amaro, who has been with Disney for 28 years, signals a prioritization of stability after the turbulent tenure of Bob Chapek, who served as CEO from 2020 to 2022. James Gorman, Chairman of Disney’s board, emphasized the desire to avoid a repeat of the previous succession drama, stating, “We will not have the same drama that we had last time, I can assure you.”
D’Amaro’s rise through the ranks has been characterized by consistent success. He has led the “Disney Experiences” division – encompassing theme parks, cruise vacations, and consumer products – for the past six years, transforming it into a financial powerhouse for the company. This division currently generates $36 billion in annual revenue, making it a critical component of Disney’s overall performance.
His leadership within Disney Experiences has been marked by ambitious projects, including the opening of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” and international expansion efforts, such as the development in Abu Dhabi. D’Amaro also demonstrated strategic foresight by forging a partnership with Epic Games to integrate Disney properties into the popular game Fortnite, showcasing an ability to adapt the Disney brand to new digital platforms and consumer behaviors.
Alongside the CEO announcement, Disney also named Dana Walden as President and Chief Creative Officer. Walden will report directly to D’Amaro, becoming the first woman to serve as president in the 102-year history of the company. This dual leadership structure suggests a focus on both operational excellence and creative vision as Disney moves forward.
Bob Iger himself expressed confidence in D’Amaro’s ability to lead the company, stating, “Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO.” Iger further highlighted D’Amaro’s “instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand” and “deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences,” coupled with a “rigor and attention to detail” necessary for ambitious projects. He also praised D’Amaro’s ability to “combine creativity with operational excellence.”
The Disney board, led by James Gorman, has been actively vetting candidates for the top job for several years, primarily focusing on internal executives. D’Amaro’s appointment suggests a continued belief in the strength of Disney’s internal talent pool and a desire for continuity in the company’s strategic direction.
The challenges facing D’Amaro are significant. Beyond the competitive pressures in the streaming landscape and the evolving dynamics of the film industry, he will need to navigate a complex political climate and address the broader implications of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. His success will depend on his ability to build on the strengths of Disney’s existing franchises while also identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities for growth and innovation.
The transition period, with Iger remaining as a senior advisor until the end of the year, is designed to provide D’Amaro with a period of mentorship and support. This phased approach aims to ensure a seamless handover of leadership and minimize disruption to the company’s ongoing operations. The appointment of D’Amaro signals a new chapter for The Walt Disney Company, one focused on stability, strategic growth, and a continued commitment to the brand’s legacy of storytelling and entertainment.