The Walt Disney Company has officially announced that Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, will become the next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Robert A. Iger.
The transition will take place at Disney’s Annual Meeting on March 18, 2026. D’Amaro, a 28-year veteran of the company, will also be appointed to the Disney Board following the meeting.
D’Amaro Brings Decades of Leadership to the Role
With nearly three decades at Disney, D’Amaro currently oversees Disney Experiences, the company’s largest business segment with $36 billion in annual revenue and 185,000 employees worldwide.
Under his leadership, Disney theme parks and resorts have undergone unprecedented expansion, with a focus on storytelling and technological innovation.
His resume includes signature projects like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, and the upcoming Avatar and Monsters, Inc.-themed destinations.
Endorsements from Iger and the Disney Board
James Gorman, Chairman of Disney’s Board, praised D’Amaro as a leader with “a rare combination of innovation, strategic vision, and deep brand passion.”
“Josh D’Amaro possesses that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen eye for strategic growth opportunities, and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people – all of which make him the right person to take the helm as Disney’s next CEO,” said James Gorman, Chairman of The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors. “Throughout this search process, Josh has demonstrated a strong vision for the company’s future and a deep understanding of the creative spirit that makes Disney unique in an ever-changing marketplace. He has an outstanding record of business achievement, collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment to bring their stories to life in our parks, showcasing the power of combining Disney storytelling with cutting-edge technology. The Board believes he is exceptionally well prepared to guide this global company forward to serve our consumers around the world and create long-term value for shareholders.”
Outgoing CEO Bob Iger echoed that sentiment, calling D’Amaro “an exceptional leader” with “an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand” and an “ability to combine creativity with operational excellence.”
“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” said Robert A. Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects. His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary and I am thrilled for Josh and the company.”
Dana Walden Elevated to President and Chief Creative Officer
As part of the leadership shakeup, Dana Walden, currently Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been named President and Chief Creative Officer.
Walden will report directly to D’Amaro, overseeing the company’s storytelling across all divisions and touchpoints. It marks the first time Disney has created a role with this title.
“Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community,” continued Iger. “Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, she is a wonderful choice to serve in this new leadership role. In the years since Dana joined Disney, she has accumulated great knowledge about the many facets of our businesses and brands, and is very well prepared to be President and Chief Creative Officer.”
Bob Iger to Serve as Senior Advisor Until Year-End
Iger will remain on the Disney Board and serve as Senior Advisor through the end of 2026.
Since his return in 2022, Iger has focused on four key priorities: improving film studio output, achieving streaming profitability, positioning ESPN as the top digital sports brand, and growing Disney Experiences.
His tenure has been widely credited with stabilizing the company during a turbulent period.
Succession Planning Years in the Making
The appointment of D’Amaro follows a multi-year process led by a dedicated Succession Planning Committee formed in 2023.
The process included evaluations of internal and external candidates, mentorship programs, and structural transition planning. Committee members include leaders from Fortune 500 companies, ensuring a thorough and strategic leadership shift.
Senior Leadership Team Remains Intact
D’Amaro will be supported by a seasoned executive team including Alan Bergman (Disney Entertainment), James Pitaro (ESPN), and other top officers who have helped execute Iger’s transformation strategy.
Their combined experience offers continuity and operational strength as the company enters its next chapter.
Josh D’Amaro’s Career and Vision
D’Amaro, 54, joined Disney in 1998 and has held leadership positions across Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and global operations. As Chairman of Disney Experiences, he oversees 12 parks and 57 resorts globally, plus cruise lines, consumer products, and initiatives like Storyliving by Disney and partnerships with Epic Games.
“I am immensely grateful to the Board for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world,” said Josh D’Amaro, incoming CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences. There is no limit to what Disney can achieve, and I am excited to work with our teams across the company and brilliant creative partners to honor Disney’s remarkable legacy while continuing to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders. I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Iger for his generous mentorship, his friendship, and the profound impact of his leadership.”
“On behalf of the entire Board, we extend our deepest gratitude to Bob Iger for his extraordinary leadership and dedication to The Walt Disney Company,” continued Gorman. “The Board asked Bob to return as CEO in 2022 for two critical reasons. First, to lead the company through a challenging transition and ensure Disney was fit for purpose for the future. Second, to strengthen the leadership bench and to help develop candidates for the CEO transition. Bob has delivered on both priorities, while also guiding Disney through a transformative period with an ambitious strategy that has further strengthened its position as the world’s premier entertainment company. After nearly two decades leading Disney, the Iger era has been defined by enormous growth, an unyielding commitment to excellence in creativity and innovation, and exemplary stewardship of this iconic institution.”
The Iger Legacy and What’s Next for Disney
Iger emphasized that Disney is “more agile and resilient” than it was three years ago.
“I am incredibly proud to step away at a moment when Disney’s future has never been brighter,” continued Iger. “I’m confident Disney will continue to innovate and put the spirit of Walt at the heart of everything it does – from its new park in Abu Dhabi to the groundbreaking partnerships just announced with OpenAI and the NFL, to the countless upcoming creative projects that will enthrall audiences around the world. Disney has shaped who I am as a leader, and I will always be grateful to this extraordinary company and for the opportunity to lead it over all these years.”
