Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, is navigating a complex landscape as the entertainment giant continues to invest heavily in its parks, cruise line, and related businesses. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment, with Disney Experiences currently supplying roughly 60 percent of Disney’s profit and accounting for 80 percent of the company’s overall value, .
D’Amaro assumed the role of Chairman after Bob Chapek was appointed CEO of The Walt Disney Company in . This transition occurred during a particularly challenging period for the industry, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of theme parks and disrupted travel plans globally. D’Amaro’s initial focus was on navigating the reopening of Disney’s properties while adapting to new health and safety protocols.
The scale of Disney Experiences is substantial. D’Amaro oversees 12 theme parks and 57 resort hotels across six destinations in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Looking ahead, the portfolio is set to expand with a new Disney theme park planned for Abu Dhabi. Beyond the parks, his responsibilities include Disney Cruise Line, which is undergoing significant growth, expanding its fleet from seven to 13 ships by , and two island destinations. Other components of his portfolio include Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Disney Institute, and Storyliving by Disney.
A significant aspect of D’Amaro’s leadership is the oversight of Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative force behind the design and development of Disney’s immersive experiences. This team is responsible for bringing Disney stories to life through innovative attractions, resorts, and cruise ships. Imagineering’s Research and Development division plays a crucial role in pioneering next-generation technologies.
Disney is currently undertaking a multi-year, $60 billion investment to “turbocharge” Disney Experiences, according to the company. This investment is directed towards new cruise ships, resorts, themed lands, attractions, and technologies aimed at redefining the guest experience. The company has been focused on incorporating new technologies to enhance the guest experience, such as mobile check-in, food ordering, and queue access. The introduction of “selfie spots” and “character cavalcades” are also examples of adaptations made to deliver magical experiences in the context of social distancing, as noted in a speech D’Amaro gave at IAAPA’s Virtual Education Conference in 2020.
The pandemic forced a re-evaluation of Disney’s core principles. D’Amaro emphasized the importance of focusing on “who we are, what we do and what we care about.” He observed that the pandemic highlighted the enduring passion guests have for Disney experiences, evidenced by their engagement on social media even during park closures. Internally, the company demonstrated agility, accomplishing in weeks what might normally take a year, according to D’Amaro.
In , it was noted that 2022 marked the first full year of Disney’s parks being reopened. The focus at that time was on making the parks easier to navigate and helping guests maximize their time. This suggests an ongoing effort to improve operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
D’Amaro’s leadership is particularly noteworthy given the historical challenges associated with the role of Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The position has been described as a difficult one, often coinciding with periods of significant industry disruption. His appointment came at a time when the industry was grappling with unprecedented challenges, and his ability to navigate these difficulties will be crucial to Disney’s continued success.
D’Amaro also leads Disney Consumer Products, which includes the world’s top licensing business for toys, apparel, and home goods, including the NatGeo franchise. This division also encompasses the world’s largest children’s print publisher and Disney’s digital games and apps business.
