The Walt Disney Company has officially named Josh D’Amaro, who currently oversees the company’s theme parks, cruises, and resorts, as its next chief executive officer. This appointment marks him as the ninth CEO in the company’s century-plus existence. Since 2020, D’Amaro has directed Disney’s Experiences division, which continues to be a vital revenue source for the corporation, generating $36 billion in fiscal 2025 and employing approximately 185,000 workers globally.
D’Amaro, aged 54, assumes the top position amid a thriving entertainment climate for Disney, buoyed by recent box office successes such as "Zootopia 2" and "Avatar: Fire and Ash". Additionally, Disney’s streaming platforms have maintained strong performance. However, the company faces a downturn in international tourists visiting its domestic theme parks — a trend linked in part to a broader decline in U.S. inbound tourism. This decrease aligns with stricter immigration policies enacted during the previous administration and escalating tensions with multiple key trading partners.
In his new role, D’Amaro is expected to capitalize on Disney’s extensive intellectual property portfolio to drive future film projects and enhancements within the theme park segment. Alongside this, he will focus on expanding the company’s streaming reach and further developing Disney’s sports ventures.
The leadership transition comes nearly four years after Disney experienced a troubled succession attempt, which led to Bob Iger returning as CEO following a difficult period under his successor, Bob Chapek. Iger had stepped down but was brought back in 2022 due to challenges including executive conflicts and faltering financial results.
For the current selection process, Disney employed a comprehensive and deliberate approach. While a succession planning committee was established in 2023, the active search for a new CEO commenced in 2024, spearheaded by Disney chairman James Gorman, who has a notable background, including a former executive chairmanship at Morgan Stanley. This allowed for a thorough review of potential leaders, supported by an extension of Iger’s contract to ensure continuity.
Bob Iger will maintain a senior advisory role and remain on the Disney board through the end of the year, at which point he plans to retire. Despite considering external candidates, the consensus anticipated that the company would promote an internal executive, given their close mentorship by Iger and familiarity with Disney’s board of directors.
Disney’s CEO role is multifaceted, requiring stewardship over a vast media and entertainment conglomerate with diverse business units and demands significant public presence. Within this context, D’Amaro and Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, were prominent contenders for the leadership position. D’Amaro’s tenure at Disney began in 1998, and he has played a central role in the company’s $60 billion investment into its cruise lines, resorts, and theme parks. His responsibilities also extend to managing Walt Disney Imagineering, the division charged with the design and execution of Disney’s innovative park attractions, resorts, and immersive experiences worldwide. Additionally, D’Amaro supervises Disney’s licensing business, including partnerships such as the one with Epic Games.
James Gorman remarked on D’Amaro’s appointment, stating, “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. He has an outstanding record of business achievement, collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment to bring their stories to life in our parks, showcasing the power of combining Disney storytelling with cutting-edge technology.”
Concurrently, Dana Walden, who has served as co-chairman of Disney Entertainment since 2019, will transition into a newly created position as president and chief creative officer of The Walt Disney Company, reporting directly to D’Amaro. Walden’s previous experience includes 25 years at 21st Century Fox, culminating in her role as CEO of Fox Television Group. At Disney, her leadership spans streaming services, entertainment media, news, and content divisions.
Gorman emphasized the importance of creativity at the core of Disney, noting, “If you think about what is the heart of the Disney company, it’s the creativity. It’s this amazing IP that’s been produced over decades, going back to Walt, and the storytelling that comes from that creativity. And I think Dana, working with Josh and ensuring that the best creativity permeates all of our businesses, is what we wanted.”
There had been industry speculation about Disney possibly appointing co-CEOs, a structure gaining popularity among corporations like Oracle and Spotify in 2025. However, the company opted for a traditional CEO complemented by a chief creative officer. The appointments of D’Amaro and Walden will take effect on March 18, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in Disney’s executive leadership.