Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has revealed a significant leadership change, selecting Josh D’Amaro as its next chief executive officer. The appointment is scheduled to take effect on March 18, 2026, when D’Amaro will assume the CEO role from incumbent Bob Iger. Simultaneously, D’Amaro will join Disney’s board of directors following the same meeting.
D’Amaro, who has dedicated 28 years to Disney since joining in 1998, currently serves as chairman of Disney Experiences—the division representing the company's most substantial business segment. His tenure includes numerous senior roles, notably leading both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park in past capacities.
Disney Chairman James Gorman expressed confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership caliber, highlighting a combination of visionary leadership, strategic insight, and fervent commitment to Disney’s ethos and workforce. He succinctly described D’Amaro as embodying the rare blend of inspiration and innovation suitable for guiding the company forward.
In acknowledgment, D’Amaro conveyed gratitude toward Disney’s board for entrusting him with this responsibility. He emphasized that Disney’s foundation lies in its talented people and the creative excellence integral to the company’s stories and experiences. D’Amaro expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Disney’s teams worldwide to advance the company’s mission.
Coinciding with this executive transition, Dana Walden, currently co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, will take on expanded responsibilities as president and chief creative officer at The Walt Disney Company, effective March 18, 2026.
Examining Josh D’Amaro’s Career and Interests
While well-known within executive circles, several aspects of Josh D’Amaro’s professional journey and personal preferences are less widely publicized. Here are five notable elements about D’Amaro that shed light on the executive who will soon guide Disney:
1. Broad and Varied Disney Experience
D’Amaro has contributed to Disney in a series of leadership roles over nearly three decades. Since 2020, he has led Disney Experiences as chairman, overseeing theme parks, resorts, and consumer products. His history includes pivotal presidencies at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park. His leadership has driven key initiatives such as partnerships with Epic Games to integrate Disney-themed universes into Fortnite. Additionally, D’Amaro has championed major expansions creating new themed sections at Disney parks, delivering immersive experiences based on the Star Wars, Marvel, and Monsters, Inc. franchises. Among his achievements is the development of Pandora – The World of Avatar within Animal Kingdom, a landmark addition enhancing Disney’s immersive offerings.
2. A Ride That Resonates: Peter Pan's Flight
Asked about his favorite Disney attraction during an event at South by Southwest, D’Amaro mentioned several recent high-impact rides, including Rise of the Resistance and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Nevertheless, he settled on a timeless classic, Peter Pan's Flight, revealing a deeply personal connection. He recounted how his father, an avid Disney fan, marveled at the sensation of flying during that attraction and shared that moment with his family. For D’Amaro, the ride embodies cherished family memories and remains the attraction he favors during leisure time in the parks.
3. Commitment to Make-A-Wish America
In 2023, D’Amaro was appointed to the National Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish America, an organization with longstanding ties to Disney. The collaboration between Disney and Make-A-Wish has facilitated more than 170,000 granted wishes over 45 years, uplifting seriously ill children and their families. D’Amaro highlighted the shared understanding between Make-A-Wish and Disney regarding the transformative power of hope and imagination. He expressed honor in representing Disney’s global cast members who contribute daily to making wishes come true.
4. Artistic Beginnings and Career Transition
Before embarking on a career with Disney, D’Amaro initially pursued a path in the arts, attending Skidmore College with the intent to become a sculptor. During his sophomore year, he worked intensively on a large-scale sculpture of a human figure reaching skyward. Reflecting on those late-night creative sessions, he recognized the practical limitations of sustaining a family solely through art. This realization inspired him to shift directions, ultimately transferring to Georgetown University to study business administration. Addressing Georgetown students in 2025, D’Amaro underscored the liberating experience of embracing uncertainty and pivoting toward new goals.
5. Early Career at Gillette
Following graduation from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, D’Amaro began his professional life at Gillette. Based in the company’s Boston headquarters, he worked in the finance department for about four to five years. This foundational experience preceded his application and acceptance to a strategic role at Disney in 1998—a decision that set the stage for his extensive Disney tenure.
The transition at Disney’s leadership marks a significant milestone as Josh D’Amaro, a seasoned executive with hands-on experience across critical operational areas, prepares to navigate the company through its next phase starting in 2026. His blend of creative passion, operational expertise, and strategic vision positions him to steward Disney’s enduring legacy in entertainment and consumer experiences.
Alongside him, Dana Walden’s appointment as president and chief creative officer reflects the company’s emphasis on creative leadership paired with operational direction.