Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as Disney CEO: What it means for the entertainment giant | World News
Washington: The Walt Disney Company has tapped a longtime insider to take the helm of one of the world’s best-known entertainment brands. Josh D’Amaro will replace Bob Iger as the company’s CEO later this year. In the statement made by the company, it was stated that D’Amaro, who currently manages Disney’s global parks and experiences division, will officially become CEO on March 18, 2026.
His appointment ends a succession process that has been closely watched across corporate America, with speculation that Disney’s next leader has been in the job for more than a year. He takes over from Iger, who comes out of retirement in 2022 to guide the company through difficult times. He will continue to serve as a senior advisor and board member at Disney until his planned retirement at the end of this year.
D’Amaro, 54, is a 28-year Disney veteran and has spent much of his career rising through the company’s ranks. He currently serves as president of Disney Experiences, the division that manages theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, Imagineering and consumer products worldwide. It is believed that under his leadership this segment has become one of the company’s most profitable businesses.
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As CEO, he will lead Disney during a time of major change. The company manages hit movies, popular theme parks, and changes in media and technology. His new role will also include driving future phases of the company’s growth, including the expansion of streaming services and creative projects.
In addition to D’Amaro’s promotion, Disney announced that Dana Walden, co-president of Disney Entertainment, will take a new position as president and chief creative officer. In this role, he will focus on Disney’s creative output and work closely with the new CEO as the company evolves.
The decision to select D’Amaro demonstrates Disney’s confidence in his understanding of the company’s brand and operations. In a press release, Iger said D’Amaro’s experience, leadership and connection to what Disney audiences value make him well-suited to take the company to the next level.
D’Amaro’s journey at Disney began in 1998. He has held a wide variety of leadership roles over the years, including senior positions at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort early in his career. As he steps into the CEO position, he inherits a company that continues to draw millions of visitors to its parks each year, produce blockbuster movies, and expand its reach on digital platforms.
He will become the ninth CEO in Disney’s more than century history, with his promotion scheduled to take effect at Disney’s annual meeting in March. The board’s unanimous vote to appoint him marks a new era for the entertainment giant as it prepares for future expansion and innovation.
Bob Iger’s long influence on Disney, including major acquisitions and expansion of the company’s global footprint, set the stage for this moment. Disney’s leadership transition as the mantle moves to D’Amaro signals a new chapter for the company, which continues to influence global media, storytelling and consumer experiences.
