The Walt Disney Company has officially named Josh D’Amaro as its new CEO, following an extensive two-year selection process. D’Amaro, who currently leads Disney’s theme parks and consumer products division, will succeed Bob Iger, who has held the CEO position for nearly two decades.
The announcement from Disney’s board was made on Tuesday, with D’Amaro’s start date set for the company’s annual meeting on March 18. At that time, Iger will transition into a senior advisory role while remaining on the Disney board until his retirement on December 31, 2026.
Alongside D’Amaro, Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, was also a top contender for the CEO position. Walden has been promoted to president and chief creative officer, effective March 18, and will report directly to D’Amaro.
Bob Iger praised D’Amaro, stating, “He is an exceptional leader with a profound understanding of the Disney brand and what resonates with our audiences. His combination of creativity and operational excellence sets him apart, and I am excited for both Josh and the company.”
Commenting on Walden’s new position, Iger remarked, “Dana is an excellent leader respected within the creative community. Her deep expertise across our various businesses makes her a fantastic choice for this role as creativity remains central to everything Disney does.”
D’Amaro joined Disney in 1998, initially working at Disneyland. Since then, he has held various roles across marketing, operations, and finance, including serving as CFO of Disney Consumer Products Global Licensing and as president of both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Most recently, he became the head of Disney Parks, Cruises, Consumer Products, and Walt Disney Imagineering in May 2020.
At 54, D’Amaro is considered a quintessential CEO in the Disney tradition, bringing nearly 30 years of experience that gives him a unique insight into how families and children connect with the brand. He currently oversees a $60 billion investment initiative to expand Disney’s theme parks globally, including a new site planned for Abu Dhabi. Before joining Disney, he worked in finance at Gillette and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Georgetown University.
In his statement, D’Amaro expressed his gratitude, saying, “Leading a company that holds such significance for millions globally is an immense honour. Disney’s true strength lies in our people and the creative excellence that shapes our stories and experiences. I am eager to collaborate with our teams and creative partners to uphold Disney’s extraordinary legacy while driving innovation and growth to deliver exceptional value to our consumers and shareholders.”
The Disney board, chaired by James Gorman, faced significant pressure to implement a robust succession strategy following the challenges that followed Bob Chapek’s elevation to CEO. Chapek took over in February 2020, just before the COVID pandemic forced major operational shifts at Disney. This led to a clash of strategic visions, ultimately resulting in Chapek’s ousting in November 2022 and Iger’s return to the CEO role.
Iger’s tenure as CEO was always intended to be temporary. In October 2024, the board committed to having a successor named by early 2026. Following the challenges experienced during the Chapek era and increasing scrutiny from investors over corporate governance, the board understood the importance of executing a successful succession plan this time.
Gorman noted that throughout the succession process, D’Amaro has showcased a compelling vision for the future and a solid understanding of the creativity that sets Disney apart in a rapidly evolving market. D’Amaro’s impressive business track record demonstrates his collaborative spirit, as he has partnered with some of the biggest names in entertainment to bring their stories to life in the Disney parks.
