The Walt Disney Company has initiated a landmark leadership transition, appointing theme parks division head Josh D’Amaro as successor to longtime Chief Executive Bob Iger. The 54-year-old executive will assume the CEO role effective March 18 following unanimous board approval, marking the culmination of a meticulously planned succession strategy.
D’Amaro brings 28 years of institutional knowledge and operational expertise to the position, having most recently overseen Disney’s most profitable business segment. Under his leadership, the parks, experiences, and products division generated $36 billion in fiscal 2025 while managing 185,000 employees across global operations spanning 12 theme parks and 57 resort properties.
Board Chairman James Gorman emphasized D’Amaro’s unique qualifications, noting his ‘inspiring leadership and innovation, strategic growth vision, and profound connection to the Disney brand.’ The incoming CEO has spearheaded major expansion initiatives including the groundbreaking ‘Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’ development, plans for Abu Dhabi’s upcoming theme park, and Disney’s transformative partnership with Epic Games for Fortnite integration.
In a concurrent executive restructuring, Dana Walden assumes the newly created position of President and Chief Creative Officer. As co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, Walden will report directly to D’Amaro while overseeing creative direction across the company’s extensive portfolio.
Iger will remain engaged through December 2026 as senior advisor, providing transitional support following his transformative tenure. His legacy includes landmark acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, alongside the successful launch of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney’s streaming services expansion.
The leadership change occurs during a period of significant industry disruption, with traditional media models facing unprecedented challenges. Disney+ continues its path toward profitability after launching in 2019 to compete with streaming giant Netflix, while the company explores emerging technologies including generative AI through recently signed licensing agreements.
This transition represents Disney’s third CEO change in four years, following Iger’s brief 2020 retirement and subsequent return after successor Bob Chapek’s pandemic-era dismissal. Iger’s recent restructuring efforts addressed streaming losses and operational challenges, positioning the company for its next chapter under D’Amaro’s leadership.