Disney Names Josh D’Amaro as New CEO, Replacing Bob Iger
- The Walt Disney Company announced a significant leadership change today, February 3, 2026.
- D’Amaro, 54, has spent 28 years with Disney, most recently overseeing the company’s theme parks, cruise lines, and resort hotels globally.
- The decision, made by Disney’s board of directors, led by chairman James Gorman, concludes a period of speculation regarding Iger’s replacement.
The Walt Disney Company announced a significant leadership change today, . Josh D’Amaro, currently chairman of Disney Experiences, will succeed Bob Iger as Chief Executive Officer, effective .
D’Amaro, 54, has spent 28 years with Disney, most recently overseeing the company’s theme parks, cruise lines, and resort hotels globally. His appointment marks the second time in six years Disney has selected a successor to Iger, following a previous attempt with Bob Chapek. Iger himself previously resumed the CEO role in 2022 after issues arose during Chapek’s tenure.
The decision, made by Disney’s board of directors, led by chairman James Gorman, concludes a period of speculation regarding Iger’s replacement. Gorman described D’Amaro as possessing “that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation,” and highlighted his “keen eye for strategic growth opportunities” and “deep passion for the Disney brand.”
D’Amaro’s leadership of Disney Experiences has been marked by substantial growth, with the division overseeing $36 billion in expansion projects. He is known for frequently engaging with park visitors and employees, often highlighting cast members on social media.
Alongside D’Amaro’s appointment, Dana Walden, currently the head of Disney Television and streaming, will assume the role of President and Chief Creative Officer, reporting directly to D’Amaro. Walden was considered a leading contender for the CEO position.
Iger will remain with the company as a senior advisor and board member through the end of the year, . In a statement, Iger expressed his confidence in D’Amaro, stating he has “an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences.” He also praised D’Amaro’s ability to combine creativity with operational excellence.
The transition comes after Iger returned to the CEO position in 2022 to address financial challenges within the company. During his recent tenure, Iger implemented a restructuring plan, including $5.5 billion in cost cuts and workforce reductions, which contributed to a turnaround in Disney’s financial performance.
D’Amaro will now lead a vast entertainment empire encompassing Disney movies, 20th Century Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, ABC, FX, and Hulu, in addition to the company’s theme park and resort operations. He will also be responsible for navigating a new licensing agreement with OpenAI and its Sora artificial intelligence platform.
The appointment of D’Amaro underscores the increasing importance of Disney’s parks and experiences division to the company’s overall success. His experience in this area is expected to be a key asset as he guides Disney through a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Iger, speaking on Disney’s first quarterly earnings call of the year, emphasized the need for continuous adaptation and innovation. He stated that maintaining the status quo is a mistake in a constantly changing world and expressed confidence that his successor will embrace this principle.