Disney names parks chief Josh D’Amaro to succeed CEO Bob Iger
After months of speculation, The Walt Disney Co. has officially announced that parks chief Josh D’Amaro will succeed Bob Iger as CEO of the entertainment company. D’Amaro, who currently oversees Disney’s theme parks and resort hotels, is set to take the helm on March 18, 2026, as the company looks to navigate challenges in the industry.
With more than $90 billion in annual revenue and approximately 185,000 employees worldwide, D’Amaro faces the task of leading Disney at a time when international tourism to its theme parks is declining. This decision comes almost four years after Iger returned to the company, following the departure of his previous successor, Bob Chapek, amidst clashes and financial setbacks.
Upon his return as CEO in 2022, Iger focused on cost-cutting and restructuring Disney’s operations to improve financial performance. This included a significant workforce reduction of 7,000 jobs in 2023, aiming to streamline the company’s operations and boost profitability.
Disney Chairman James Gorman reassured stakeholders that the transition to D’Amaro as CEO would be smoother than previous changes in leadership. The company had formed a succession planning committee in 2023 to identify and evaluate potential candidates to succeed Iger.
With a background spanning over two decades at Disney, D’Amaro has held various roles in finance, business strategy, marketing, creative development, and operations. He previously served as president of Walt Disney World Resort and chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing the theme parks, cruises, resorts, and licensing business.
Alongside D’Amaro’s appointment, Disney also announced Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, as the new president and chief creative officer of Disney, effective March 18. Walden’s appointment adds further depth to the company’s leadership team as it navigates the evolving entertainment landscape.
