Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner Congratulates Josh D'Amaro, Offers Advice

5 days ago in "The Walt Disney Company"

Posted: Tuesday February 3, 2026 2:354pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner congratulated Josh D'Amaro on his appointment as the company's next chief executive and offered guidance for his tenure.

Eisner posted his reaction on X following today's announcement that D'Amaro will replace Bob Iger as CEO on March 18, 2026.

"Congratulations to Josh D'Amaro for becoming the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, and congratulations to Chairman James Gorman for making such a wise pick as well as promoting Dana Walden to president and chief creative officer," Eisner wrote.

Three Pieces of Advice

Eisner provided specific recommendations for D'Amaro as he prepares to lead Disney.

"My advice to Josh is continue Bob Iger's strategy that creativity will handle profits, always protect the brand, and keep close the words of Walt Disney: 'We love to entertain kings and queens, but the vital thing to remember is this--every guest receives the VIP treatment,'" Eisner wrote.

The advice reflects themes from Eisner's own tenure leading Disney from 1984 to 2005. His emphasis on creativity aligns with Iger's approach of prioritizing creative quality, one of four strategic priorities when he returned as CEO in 2022.

The Walt Disney quote about guest treatment is particularly relevant to D'Amaro's background leading Disney Experiences, where he oversees theme parks, resorts, and cruise operations serving millions of guests annually. D'Amaro has been described as having a hands-on leadership style with frequent park visits.

Eisner's Disney Legacy

Eisner served as Disney CEO for 21 years, from 1984 to 2005. During his tenure, Disney expanded its theme park presence, acquired ABC and ESPN, and grew its animation and film studios.

His leadership included the opening of Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios), Disney's Animal Kingdom, and international parks in Paris and Hong Kong. He oversaw the Disney Renaissance period in animation with films including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King.

Eisner's relationship with Disney became strained in his final years as CEO. He left the company in 2005 and was succeeded by Bob Iger.

Walden Recognition

Eisner also congratulated Dana Walden on her promotion to President and Chief Creative Officer.

"Congratulations to Chairman James Gorman for making such a wise pick as well as promoting Dana Walden," Eisner wrote.

Walden will report directly to D'Amaro and oversee storytelling and creative expression across all Disney businesses.

D'Amaro's Transition

D'Amaro will officially become CEO at Disney's Annual Meeting on March 18, 2026. He has spent 28 years with Disney and currently leads the company's largest business segment.

Bob Iger will continue as Senior Advisor and Board member until his retirement on December 31, 2026.

Disney has not announced who will replace D'Amaro as Chairman of Disney Experiences.

Discuss on the Forums

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Jambo Dad30 minutes ago

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

Dranth1 hour 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.

JoeCamel2 hours ago

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

DrummerxDrummer2 hours ago

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

Sirwalterraleigh3 hours ago

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

JoeCamel3 hours ago

Beignets on Bourbon Street

Jambo Dad3 hours ago

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

JoeCamel4 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.Dis4 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?

flynnibus5 hours ago

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

Jambo Dad5 hours ago

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

Jambo Dad5 hours ago

What a surprise!

Jambo Dad5 hours ago

Tight pants and clown shoes.

Sir_Cliff5 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.