Disney has appointed Josh D’Amaro, the current head of its parks division, to take over from Bob Iger as the company’s new CEO. D’Amaro, who has been overseeing Disney’s theme parks, cruises, and resorts since 2020, will become the ninth CEO in the company’s long history. The experiences division led by D’Amaro has been a significant revenue generator for Disney, raking in $36 billion US in annual revenue in fiscal 2025 and employing 185,000 people globally.
At 54 years old, D’Amaro steps into the role at a time when Disney is enjoying success with box office hits like “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” while its streaming services are thriving. However, the entertainment industry, including legacy studios like Disney, is facing challenges due to factors such as the emergence of generative AI, consolidation of streaming giants, and perceived government interference.
The decision to appoint D’Amaro follows a tumultuous period for Disney, marked by a failed attempt to replace Iger four years ago, leading to Iger’s return in 2022 due to performance issues under his successor, Bob Chapek. The search for the new CEO began in 2024 with the establishment of a succession planning committee, eventually leading to the selection of D’Amaro.
Iger will remain with Disney as a senior advisor and board member until his retirement at the end of the year. The transition also occurs amidst scrutiny of the company, particularly in light of controversies such as the decision to pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and its implications regarding media censorship and government influence on entertainment.
The appointment of D’Amaro and the restructuring within Disney come at a time when external and internal candidates were considered for the top position. While D’Amaro and Dana Walden emerged as leading contenders, D’Amaro’s extensive experience in leading Disney’s investments and licensing businesses positioned him as a strong internal candidate. Walden, with her background in overseeing Disney’s streaming services, media, and content divisions, will assume the role of chief creative officer reporting to D’Amaro.
Speculation arose regarding the possibility of naming co-CEOs, a trend seen in other companies, but Disney ultimately opted for a single CEO structure. D’Amaro and Walden’s appointments are effective from March 18 onwards, marking a new chapter for Disney under D’Amaro’s leadership.
