Disney has appointed Josh D’Amaro, the head of its parks division, as the new CEO, succeeding Bob Iger at the company’s helm. D’Amaro, who has been overseeing Disney’s theme parks, cruises, and resorts since 2020, will be the ninth CEO in Disney’s long history. The experiences division under his leadership has been a significant revenue generator, bringing in $36 billion US annually in fiscal 2025 and employing 185,000 people globally.
Taking the reins at a prosperous time for Disney, with successful box office hits like “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” and a thriving streaming business, D’Amaro faces challenges in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape. The industry is grappling with various issues such as the impact of generative AI, the consolidation of streaming services, and concerns about government interference in entertainment companies’ operations.
This leadership transition follows a tumultuous period for Disney, marked by a failed CEO succession attempt four years ago, which resulted in Iger returning to the role. The meticulous search for the next CEO began in 2024, with the company forming a succession planning committee in 2023 and enlisting external expertise to lead the search process. Iger will continue to serve as a senior advisor and board member until his retirement from the company by the year-end.
Amid these changes, Disney has faced scrutiny and challenges, including controversies related to its programming decisions. The company’s parentage of ABC came under fire for pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following comments made by the host, which drew criticism from various quarters, including regulatory bodies and station owners. These incidents have raised concerns about potential external influences on entertainment content.
The appointment of D’Amaro and the restructuring within Disney also signal a strategic shift within the company. While external candidates were considered for the CEO role, the decision to promote from within reflects Disney’s focus on continuity and leveraging internal talent. D’Amaro and Dana Walden emerged as leading contenders for the top positions, with their extensive experience and contributions to Disney’s diverse portfolio.
D’Amaro’s long tenure at Disney, overseeing key investments in cruise ships, resorts, theme parks, and licensing partnerships, positions him well to lead the company forward. Walden, with her background in streaming services and entertainment media, brings a wealth of experience from her time at 21st Century Fox and Fox Television Group. The appointments of D’Amaro as CEO and Walden as chief creative officer mark a new chapter for Disney, effective March 18.