Disney Names Josh D’Amaro as Next CEO, Succeeding Bob Iger

The Walt Disney Company has officially named Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as Chief Executive Officer.

D’Amaro, 54, will become only the ninth CEO in the company’s 102-year history. The appointment follows a meticulous, multi-year search led by Chairman James Gorman, a process designed to avoid the executive instability that defined Disney’s previous succession attempt.

Since 2020, D’Amaro has served as Chairman of Disney’s Parks, Experiences, and Products division. Under his leadership, the segment became a financial powerhouse, generating $36 billion in annual revenue in fiscal year 2025. He is currently overseeing a $60 billion investment initiative focused on Disney’s theme parks, resorts, and cruise line expansion.

D’Amaro’s responsibilities have included oversight of Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative force behind the company’s global park designs; Licensing and Gaming, including the high-profile partnership with Epic Games; and the company’s global workforce of approximately 185,000 employees.

“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,” Chairman James Gorman said in prepared remarks.

While speculation suggested Disney might adopt a co-CEO structure similar to those used by companies such as Oracle and Spotify, the board ultimately chose a clear leadership hierarchy. At the same time, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden will be elevated to the newly created role of President and Chief Creative Officer, reporting directly to D’Amaro.

“I think when you look at the heart of the Disney company, it is creativity,” Gorman said. “It is the intellectual property produced over decades, going back to Walt, and the storytelling that comes from that creativity. Ensuring that the best creative work permeates all of our businesses is central to what we want to achieve.”

D’Amaro’s tenure will begin amid several challenges. While Disney’s streaming business remains strong, domestic theme parks have seen a decline in international visitors. The downturn has been attributed to a broader decrease in U.S. tourism, driven by stricter immigration policies and growing trade tensions with international partners.

The official leadership transition will take place on March 18. Bob Iger, who returned as CEO in 2022 to stabilize the company following the departure of Bob Chapek, will remain as a senior adviser and board member through the end of the year to support a smooth transition.

D’Amaro’s primary mandate will be to integrate Disney’s extensive intellectual property across all platforms, from theatrical releases to theme parks and cruise experiences, while continuing to expand the company’s sports and streaming operations.