KEY POINT
- Josh D’Amaro, 54, will succeed Bob Iger as CEO of Disney during the company’s annual meeting on March 18, 2026.
- Dana Walden, co chair of Disney Entertainment, will become president and chief creative officer, reporting to D’Amaro.
- D’Amaro oversees a $60 billion global expansion of Disney theme parks, including a new destination in Abu Dhabi.
The Walt Disney Co. announced Tuesday that Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, will become its next chief executive officer, taking over from Bob Iger.
The transition, effective March 18 at Disney’s annual shareholder meeting, concludes a more than two year succession process closely monitored by investors and the global media industry.
D’Amaro’s appointment underscores Disney’s continued focus on theme parks, consumer products, and creative operations as the company navigates shifting media landscapes, international expansion, and evolving consumer preferences.
Iger, who has led Disney for nearly two decades cumulatively, will remain as a senior adviser and board member until his planned retirement on Dec. 31, 2026.
Disney’s search for a successor began after Iger’s return as CEO in 2022, following his first tenure from 2005 to 2020. The board considered multiple internal and external candidates, with Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, widely regarded as a leading contender alongside D’Amaro.
D’Amaro joined Disney in 1998 at Disneyland and has held diverse roles, including CFO of Disney Consumer Products Global Licensing, president of Disneyland Resort, and president of Walt Disney World Resort.
In May 2020, he became head of Disney parks, cruises, consumer products, and Imagineering, overseeing a multibillion dollar investment strategy in theme park expansions globally.
Industry analysts suggest D’Amaro’s appointment signals Disney’s intention to maintain operational continuity while leveraging creative growth.
“Josh D’Amaro represents the traditional Disney leadership model, blending operational expertise with brand stewardship,” said Douglas Bowman, media analyst at Morningstar Inc.
“His long tenure in parks and consumer products gives him a unique understanding of Disney’s core audience: families and children.”
Dana Walden’s promotion reflects Disney’s emphasis on content and creativity.
“Walden’s creative leadership will be crucial as Disney faces intensified competition from streaming platforms and international markets,” said Laura Higgins, associate professor of media management at New York University.
Investors reacted cautiously, noting that while D’Amaro has extensive operational experience, he will need to navigate digital media challenges, franchise management, and international expansion simultaneously.
| Position | Current / Past Role | Key Responsibilities | Tenure / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEO – Josh D’Amaro | Chairman, Disney Experiences | Overall corporate leadership | Disney since 1998 |
| President & Chief Creative Officer – Dana Walden | Co-chair, Disney Entertainment | Oversee creative strategy, content | Promoted March 18, 2026 |
| Disney Investment in Parks | $60 billion | Global theme park expansion including Abu Dhabi | Active 2020–present |
| Bob Iger’s Total Tenure | CEO (2005–2020, 2022–2026) | Senior adviser until retirement Dec 31, 2026 | Nearly 20 years cumulative |
“Josh has an instinctive sense of what Disney audiences want, and he combines creativity with operational precision,” Iger said in a statement.
Dana Walden added, “I’m excited to focus on storytelling and creative excellence. Reporting to Josh allows us to align operational and creative priorities across the company.”
Disney employees echoed cautious optimism. “D’Amaro knows the parks inside and out, which is reassuring given the scale of our global expansions,” said Maria Lopez, a senior executive at Walt Disney World Resort.
D’Amaro’s leadership will coincide with a transformative period for Disney, including continued international expansion, increased focus on direct to consumer platforms, and ongoing investment in IP-driven experiences.
Industry observers note that the CEO’s challenge will be balancing operational growth with the company’s creative brand promise.
The dual leadership structure, with D’Amaro managing corporate operations and Walden steering creative content, reflects Disney’s strategy to harmonize entertainment production with its global park and consumer business.
Josh D’Amaro’s appointment as Disney CEO concludes a high profile succession process and positions the company to continue its global expansion strategy while preserving its creative legacy.
With Dana Walden in a newly created leadership role, Disney signals a dual focus on operational excellence and creative innovation amid evolving industry dynamics.