The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors has announced that Josh D’Amaro will become Chief Executive Officer of the company, following a unanimous vote held on Monday.
His appointment will take effect at Disney’s Annual Meeting on March 18, 2026, when he will succeed Robert A. Iger.
The Board also said it intends to appoint D’Amaro to the Board of Directors immediately following the meeting.
Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as Disney CEO
D’Amaro is currently Chairman of Disney Experiences, the company’s largest operating segment, which reported $36 billion in revenue in the 2025 financial year and employs around 185,000 cast members and employees worldwide. He has worked at Disney for 28 years and has overseen the expansion of Disney Experiences across global markets.
“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 – all of which make him the right person to take the helm as Disney’s next CEO,” James Gorman, Chairman of The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors said in a statement.
“Throughout this search process, Josh has demonstrated a strong vision for the company’s future and a deep understanding of the creative spirit that makes Disney unique in an ever-changing marketplace. He has an outstanding record of business achievement, collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment to bring their stories to life in our parks, showcasing the power of combining Disney storytelling with cutting-edge technology. The Board believes he is exceptionally well prepared to guide this global company forward to serve our consumers around the world and create long-term value for shareholders,” he added.
“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO. 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. His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary and I am thrilled for Josh and the company,” Robert A. Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company further explained.
Alongside D’Amaro’s appointment, Dana Walden has been named President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company, effective March 18, 2026. Walden is currently Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment.
Dana Walden named Disney President and Chief Creative Officer
In her new role, Walden will report directly to D’Amaro and will oversee storytelling and creative output across Disney’s businesses, including film, television, streaming, and other consumer-facing platforms. The role marks the first time the company has created a President and Chief Creative Officer position.
“Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community. Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, she is a wonderful choice to serve in this new leadership role. In the years since Dana joined Disney, she has accumulated great knowledge about the many facets of our businesses and brands, and is very well prepared to be President and Chief Creative Officer,” Iger continued.Y
Iger will step down as Chief Executive Officer in March 2026 and will continue as Senior Advisor and a member of the Disney Board until his retirement on December 31, 2026.
Iger returned to the role in 2022 and led a restructuring of the company during a period of industry change. During his tenure, Disney focused on four priorities: film studio output, streaming profitability, ESPN’s digital strategy, and growth across Disney Experiences.
Gorman said the Board had asked Iger to return in 2022 to stabilise the company and develop internal candidates for leadership succession.
“Bob has delivered on both priorities, while also guiding Disney through a transformative period with an ambitious strategy that has further strengthened its position as the world’s premier entertainment company. After nearly two decades leading Disney, the Iger era has been defined by enormous growth, an unyielding commitment to excellence in creativity and innovation, and exemplary stewardship of this iconic institution,” he said
Josh D’Amaro’s career at Disney
D’Amaro, aged 54, has served as Chairman of Disney Experiences since 2020. Before that, he was President of Walt Disney World Resort and President of Disneyland Resort. He joined Disney in 1998 at Disneyland Resort.
As head of Disney Experiences, D’Amaro oversees 12 theme parks and 57 resort hotels worldwide. The division includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Disney Institute, Storyliving by Disney, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Disney Consumer Products. He also manages digital ventures, including a collaboration with Epic Games to create a Disney universe within Fortnite.
Projects completed under his leadership include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and World of Frozen. Upcoming developments include a Monsters, Inc.-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, a new Avatar destination at Disneyland Resort, and expansions themed around Cars and Disney Villains at Magic Kingdom. A new theme park in Abu Dhabi is also planned.
D’Amaro holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgetown University.
“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. Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences. There is no limit to what Disney can achieve, and I am excited to work with our teams across the company and brilliant creative partners to honor Disney’s remarkable legacy while continuing to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders. I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Iger for his generous mentorship, his friendship, and the profound impact of his leadership,” Josh D’Amaro, incoming CEO of The Walt Disney Company said.
Senior management team to continue under new leadership
D’Amaro’s appointment follows a multi-year succession planning process. In January 2023, Disney formed a Succession Planning Committee to oversee leadership transition planning.
The committee is chaired by Gorman and includes board members Mary T. Barra, Jeremy Darroch, and Calvin R. McDonald. The Board said both D’Amaro and Walden participated in preparation programmes that included mentorship from Iger, external coaching, and engagement with directors.
Disney said D’Amaro will be supported by its existing senior leadership team. Alan Bergman will continue as Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, and James Pitaro will remain Chairman of ESPN.
The company said the leadership structure is intended to maintain continuity as Disney enters its next phase under D’Amaro’s leadership.
