Josh D'Amaro to become Disney CEO, succeeding Robert Iger

Investing.com -- Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) announced Tuesday that Josh D’Amaro will become the company’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective March 18, 2026, succeeding Robert A. Iger.

The Disney Board of Directors unanimously elected D’Amaro, the current Disney Experiences Chairman, during a vote held on Monday. The Board also plans to appoint him as a director immediately following the upcoming Annual Meeting.

Dana Walden, currently Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been named President and Chief Creative Officer, a newly created position. She will report directly to D’Amaro and will be responsible for ensuring storytelling and creative expression reflect the Disney brand across all platforms.

D’Amaro, 54, is a 28-year Disney veteran who currently oversees the company’s largest business segment with $36 billion in annual revenue in FY2025 and 185,000 employees worldwide. He has led Disney Experiences since 2020, managing 12 theme parks, 57 resort hotels, Disney Cruise Line, and other Disney vacation experiences.

"Josh D’Amaro possesses that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen eye for strategic growth opportunities, and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people," said James Gorman, Chairman of The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors.

Iger, who has led Disney for nearly two decades, will continue to serve as Senior Advisor and Board member until his retirement from the company on December 31, 2026. Since returning as CEO in 2022, Iger has restructured the organization and focused on strengthening the film studios, delivering profitability in streaming, positioning ESPN as a premier digital sports destination, and growing Disney Experiences.

The leadership change follows a thorough succession planning process that began in January 2023 when the Board formed a special committee to evaluate internal and external candidates.

D’Amaro will be supported by a senior management team including Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman and ESPN Chairman James Pitaro, who will continue in their current roles.

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