Disney CEO-Elect Josh D'Amaro Posts Message to Cast Members and Fans

5 days ago in "The Walt Disney Company"

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Disney's New Leadership: Josh D'Amaro and Dana Walden

Posted: Tuesday February 3, 2026 5:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Josh D'Amaro posted his first social media comments since being named Disney's next CEO, emphasizing the importance of the company's employees and fans.

D'Amaro shared a message on Instagram tonight following yesterday's announcement that he will replace Bob Iger as CEO on March 18, 2026.

"The most important part of Disney will always be the people," D'Amaro wrote. "I have had the pleasure of working with tens of thousands of Cast, Imagineers and employees over the years, and it is because of them and the millions of Disney fans around the world that I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead this extraordinary company."

Disney's New Leadership: Josh D'Amaro and Dana Walden

Congratulations to Dana Walden

D'Amaro congratulated Dana Walden on her promotion to President and Chief Creative Officer.

"Congratulations to Dana Walden for becoming the company's first-ever President and Chief Creative Officer for The Walt Disney Company," D'Amaro wrote. "I look forward to working more closely with you as we continue to cultivate and share our powerful stories to Disney fans around the world."

Walden's role is a historic first for Disney. She will report directly to D'Amaro and oversee storytelling and creative expression across all Disney businesses.

Praise for Bob Iger

D'Amaro acknowledged Bob Iger's legacy and impact on the company.

"The remarkable foundation Robert Iger built over the last 20 years inspires all of us," D'Amaro wrote. "As we look to Disney's next era of innovation, creativity, and growth, I'm excited for the future and honored to stand alongside the best storytellers on earth."

Iger has led Disney for nearly two decades across two separate terms as CEO. He will continue as Senior Advisor and Board member until his retirement on December 31, 2026.

D'Amaro's Background

D'Amaro, 54, has spent 28 years with Disney. He joined the company in 1998 at Disneyland Resort and became Chairman of Disney Experiences in 2020 after serving as President of Walt Disney World Resort.

As head of Disney Experiences, D'Amaro oversees 12 theme parks, 57 resort hotels, Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Disney Consumer Products. The division generated $36 billion in annual revenue in FY2025.

D'Amaro led development of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Avengers Campus, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, and World of Frozen. He is overseeing expansion projects at Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, and Disneyland Resort.

Transition Timeline

D'Amaro will officially become CEO at Disney's Annual Meeting on March 18, 2026. The Board will appoint him as a director immediately after the meeting.

Disney has not announced who will replace D'Amaro as Chairman of Disney Experiences. Three executives are positioned as potential candidates: Thomas Mazloum (Disneyland Resort President), Ken Potrock (Major Events Integration President), and Jeff Vahle (Walt Disney World Resort President).

Discuss on the Forums

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Jambo Dad1 hour ago

Yes it is. They can inflate their ROI without doing anything constructive.

Dranth2 hours ago

I am sure someone more into finance could give a better answer but, they don't have enough debt for a company of their size to be worrisome. At least currently. I also think the money they do owe was borrowed at really low rates which helps. Personally I think they are one of the worst uses of company money, but stock buybacks benefit stock holders so tend to be popular with companies these days.

JoeCamel3 hours ago

That would be this thread; https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/who-will-replace-josh-damaro-as-disney-experiences-chairman.987575/

DrummerxDrummer3 hours ago

Any word on who is being primed to takeover Disney Experiences division to fill the void that Josh is leaving?

Sirwalterraleigh4 hours ago

Great description… Or if you want to go Simple: it’s cooking your books

JoeCamel4 hours ago

Beignets on Bourbon Street

Jambo Dad4 hours ago

They were visiting the legendary salt mines of Louisiana of course.

JoeCamel5 hours ago

The simplistic answer to stock buybacks is that the board and C suite own a lot of stock, they are in contact with funds and equity firms that hold lots and lots more so buying back stock increases their holding's value directly while debt is not a bad thing to have. It allows you to be flexible in where you deploy your capital. Dumping debt will strengthen the balance sheet but the cost of the debt has to be weighed against potential returns it can generate. The name of the game is please the stockholders and line your own pockets along the way

MR.Dis5 hours ago

I am not overly savvy when it comes to corporate finances. The quarterly earnings report included a tidbit of Disney buying back some 7 million shares. So why do that rather than retire some of their 11 billion in debt? I am sure there is an answer, could someone on this forum advise me on the why?

flynnibus6 hours ago

Again.. another horrible take. You're confusing RESULTS with CONSTRAINTS.

Jambo Dad6 hours ago

They are equally bad at everything else. That’s why only a handful of people watch them anymore.

Jambo Dad6 hours ago

What a surprise!

Jambo Dad6 hours ago

Tight pants and clown shoes.

Sir_Cliff6 hours ago

Reading this thread, I am amazed there are not more wildly profitable streaming services out there as they are apparently very straightforward to set up and run if you don't have management as incompetent as Disney. Either that or other entertainment companies that wisely chose not to go into streaming leaving Disney in the dust for the colossal mistake of ever thinking they could make money from it.