The Walt Disney Company’s Board of Directors has unanimously selected Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experience, to be its next Chief Executive Officer, the company announced. D’Amaro will assume the role at Disney’s annual meeting on March 18, 2026, replacing longtime CEO Bob Iger. The board also plans to appoint Mr. D’Amaro to the board immediately after the meeting.
Mr. D’Amaro is a 28-year veteran of Disney and currently leads Disney Experience, the company’s largest division. The division generated approximately $36 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2025 and employs approximately 185,000 cast members and employees worldwide. He has overseen what Disney describes as the largest global expansion in the division’s history, driving financial growth, new attractions and improved guest satisfaction.
“Josh D’Amaro has a rare combination of inspirational leadership, innovation and a deep passion for the Disney brand,” said Board Chairman James Gorman in a statement, citing D’Amaro’s strategic vision and track record of working with key entertainment partners to bring new experiences to Disney Parks around the world.
Iger, who led Disney for nearly 20 years across two tenures, praised D’Amaro’s combination of creativity and business discipline, calling him “the right person to be our next CEO.”
As part of the leadership change, Disney also announced that Dana Walden, currently co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, will become president and chief creative officer, effective March 18. The newly created position is a first for the company. Mr. Walden will report directly to Mr. D’Amaro and will oversee storytelling and creative strategy across Disney’s businesses, including film, television, and streaming.
Mr. Iger will continue to be involved with the company after stepping down as CEO, serving as a senior advisor and director until the end of 2026. Since returning as CEO in 2022, Mr. Iger has led a broad restructuring and strategic reset aimed at restoring financial discipline, strengthening Disney’s studios, achieving profitability in streaming, positioning ESPN for the digital future and accelerating growth of the Disney Experience.
D’Amaro said he is honored to lead the company during what he described as a pivotal time. “Disney’s strength has always come from its people and creative excellence,” he said. “We are excited to build on our company’s great tradition as we continue to innovate and grow.”
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Mr. D’Amaro, 54, has served as chairman of the Disney Experience since 2020 and previously led both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. He joined Disney in 1998 and has held senior management positions across finance, marketing, strategy and operations in the United States and internationally.
His current portfolio includes oversight of 12 theme parks and 57 resort hotels around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, consumer products, Walt Disney Imagineering, and several digital ventures. He has played a key role in expanding major franchises through attractions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Future projects include new themed lands at Walt Disney World and Disneyland and international expansion plans.
D’Amaro holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgetown University.
The board said Mr. D’Amaro’s selection follows a multi-year succession planning process that began in 2023 and included the evaluation of internal and external candidates and extensive leadership under Mr. Iger. The company’s senior management team, including Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman and ESPN chairman James Pitaro, will remain in place as Disney enters its next chapter.
