Bob Iger and Josh D'Amaro sat down together for their first joint interview since today's announcement that D'Amaro will become Disney's next CEO.
The interview aired tonight on ABC News and covered the leadership transition, D'Amaro's approach to risk-taking, and Disney's future in artificial intelligence and streaming.
D'Amaro will replace Iger as CEO on March 18, 2026.
Disney's Cultural Position
When asked what the next CEO needs to do to ensure Disney remains part of American life, Iger emphasized understanding the company's unique position.
"Disney is not just another company. Disney really is a cultural institution that has touched hundreds of millions of people for now over 100 years," Iger said. "Having that appreciation, knowing the place Disney occupies in people's lives, I think is essential to anyone occupying this position."
D'Amaro said his 27 years at Disney have prepared him for balancing legacy and innovation.
"I spend a lot of time in our beloved parks that hundreds of millions of people enjoy every year, and I see firsthand the importance of the brand, what Disney means to them, what it means to these families," D'Amaro said. "When you feel that and you understand the legacy of this place and the fact that you need to keep pushing forward and being innovative, I think I'm ready for that challenge."
Risk-Taking Philosophy
The interview drew parallels between Walt Disney's risk-taking when building Disneyland and Iger's billion-dollar acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox.
"Bob's a big risk taker. I'm a big risk taker, and that's been true my whole life with how I've approached growing as an individual to how I've approached the business world," D'Amaro said.
He pointed to Disney's recent announcement of a new theme park in Abu Dhabi as an example.
"Just several months ago, we announced a massive expansion in a new part of the world, in Abu Dhabi. We did that quickly. We did it ambitiously, and we knew there was a new part of the world to serve, and this is the first new theme park in 15 years for Disney," D'Amaro said.
Abu Dhabi Expansion
D'Amaro discussed the strategic importance of the Middle East location.
"This part of the world represents a population that is young, that is huge. In fact, within a four-hour flight radius of Abu Dhabi, a third of the world's population is there," D'Amaro said.
Iger said he has long considered the Middle East for Disney expansion. When he returned as CEO, he and D'Amaro moved quickly on the opportunity.
"We stood on that same property, and you look at the water, and you look at the sand, you look at the place that you're in, and you dream big, big ambition, and you think, well, we can do this," Iger said.
Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Iger explained why D'Amaro's view of technology made him the right choice for CEO.
"One of the reasons Josh was chosen for this position is I've observed him over the years that we've worked together as someone that views technology as an opportunity and not a threat," Iger said. "When you look at the history of human beings, no generation of human being has ever been able to stand in the way of technological advance."
Iger emphasized that human creativity remains central despite AI advancements.
"The reason this company is so special is because of how creative we are, and human beings that are generating that creativity, in my mind, that never gets replaced," Iger said.
D'Amaro said Disney's creative teams have embraced AI tools.
"AI to Bob's point is here, and it's something that we're embracing. You're seeing it's supercharged these creatives in amazing ways," D'Amaro said. "This is when the Walt Disney Company thrives, when technology intersects with brilliant people and creativity, and we're in that moment right now."
Disney recently announced a billion-dollar investment in OpenAI as part of its artificial intelligence strategy.
Dana Walden's New Role
D'Amaro praised Dana Walden's appointment as President and Chief Creative Officer, a newly created position.
"She is an incredibly powerful executive. She's got years and years of experience in this space. She's exceptionally creative, and she's a great human being, and I think it's absolutely the right step to continue to push us into this next frontier," D'Amaro said.
Walden will oversee storytelling and creative expression across all Disney businesses. She previously served as Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, leading Disney's entertainment media and streaming operations.
Transition Timeline
Iger confirmed he will step down as CEO on March 18 and remain as an advisor through the end of 2026.
"I'll be stepping down as CEO on March 18. I'll be an employee of the company and an advisor through the end of this calendar year, and I will be available on call should anyone want any advice from me," Iger said.
When asked if the weight on his shoulders is lighter, Iger acknowledged the emotional challenge of stepping away.
"You can't just turn the switch off one day when something that you've been so involved with and because it's such an important part of your life," Iger said. "But I'm just looking forward to quieter moments and quieter days and a little bit more room in my life."
D'Amaro acknowledged the responsibility of the role.
"The sense of responsibility that I have for this role and this company, of course, I feel the weight on my shoulders. I think I should feel it," D'Amaro said. "But I just feel so fortunate to be in a position to be able to be that next steward for the brand into the next 100 years."
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.
As head of Disney Experiences, he 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.
Disney has not announced who will replace D'Amaro as Chairman of Disney Experiences.
You can watch the full interview from ABC News below.
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