Meet Josh D'Amaro, the new CEO of Walt Disney Company
What's the story
Walt Disney Company has appointed its theme parks chief, Josh D'Amaro, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The move ends a closely-followed succession saga in Hollywood. D'Amaro has been leading the company's key parks and experiences division for six years. He will officially take over as CEO at the company's shareholder meeting on March 18.
Leadership transition
D'Amaro will replace Iger
D'Amaro will succeed Bob Iger, who has been at the helm for two decades. Iger is stepping down after revitalizing the company but has promised to stay on during the transition and leave when his contract expires in December 2026. Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been named President and Chief Creative Officer of the company.
Endorsement
'D'Amaro is right person to take over'
Iger has praised D'Amaro as an exceptional leader and the right person to take over as CEO. "He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences," Iger said in a statement. He also noted D'Amaro's rigor and attention to detail required for delivering some of their most ambitious projects.
Career progression
Meet the new CEO of Disney
D'Amaro, who will turn 55 this month, is the eighth CEO of the iconic 102-year-old company. He joined Disney 27 years ago in Disneyland's accounting department and has worked in finance, business strategy and marketing. He has led Disneyland and Disney World Resort in Florida before being promoted to oversee all of the company's theme parks, cruise lines, and Imagineers.
Expansion projects
Achievements under D'Amaro's leadership
Under D'Amaro's leadership, Disney has seen a 6% jump in revenue at the Experiences segment in fiscal 2025. He was also instrumental in launching a $60 billion multi-year investment program to expand parks, cruises and experiences. His portfolio includes video games and consumer products as well as several high-profile construction projects such as Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Avengers Campus at Disneyland.