Disney has selected Josh D'Amaro as its next CEO. The Disney Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint D'Amaro, who has spent 28 years with the company and currently leads Disney Experiences.
D'Amaro will take over from Bob Iger on March 18, 2026, at the company's Annual Meeting. The Board will appoint him as a director immediately after.
Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been named President and Chief Creative Officer. This is a new position for the company.
D'Amaro's Background at Disney
D'Amaro, 54, joined Disney in 1998 at Disneyland Resort. He 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 worldwide
- Disney Cruise Line
- Disney Vacation Club
- Walt Disney Imagineering
- Disney Consumer Products
The division generated $36 billion in annual revenue in FY2025 and employs 185,000 Cast Members worldwide.
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.
Board Chair Comments on Selection
"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," said James Gorman, Chairman of the Disney Board of Directors.
Gorman noted D'Amaro's track record of bringing entertainment properties to life in Disney parks and his ability to combine storytelling with technology.
Bob Iger's Transition
Iger will continue as Senior Advisor and Board member until his retirement on December 31, 2026.
"Josh D'Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO," said Iger. "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."
Iger returned as CEO in 2022 and led a restructuring of the company. He focused on four priorities: improving film studio output, achieving streaming profitability, positioning ESPN as a digital sports destination, and expanding Disney Experiences.
Dana Walden's New Role
Walden will report directly to D'Amaro. She will oversee storytelling and creative expression across Disney's businesses.
As Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, Walden has led Disney's entertainment media, news, and streaming businesses.
"Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community," said Iger. "Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, she is a wonderful choice to serve in this new leadership role."
D'Amaro's Statement
"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 D'Amaro. "Disney's strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences."
He added, "I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Iger for his generous mentorship, his friendship, and the profound impact of his leadership."
Succession Planning Process
The Board formed a Succession Planning Committee in January 2023. The committee evaluated internal and external candidates over multiple years.
Committee members included Gorman as Chair, along with directors Mary T. Barra, Jeremy Darroch, and Calvin R. McDonald. D'Amaro and Walden received mentorship from Iger, external coaching, and engagement with Board directors.
Leadership Team Continuity
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman and ESPN Chairman James Pitaro will continue in their roles. The company's senior leadership team will support D'Amaro and Walden during the transition.
Disney generated $94.4 billion in annual revenue in Fiscal Year 2025 across its Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences business segments.
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