The Walt Disney Company has named Josh D’Amaro as its next chief executive officer, marking the end of a prolonged succession process and the conclusion of Bob Iger’s extended leadership tenure. The announcement came on February 3, 2026, following a unanimous board vote, with D’Amaro set to assume the role effective March 18, 2026, at the company’s annual meeting. Iger will transition to a senior advisor position and remain on the board until his full retirement from the company on December 31, 2026.
This development caps a turbulent period in Disney’s corporate governance that began several years earlier. In February 2020, Bob Iger stepped down as CEO after a long and transformative run, handing the position to Bob Chapek, who had previously led the parks division. Chapek’s time in the role proved challenging, complicated significantly by the global COVID-19 pandemic’s severe impact on theme park operations and broader entertainment strategies. Strategic differences and operational difficulties led to Chapek’s ouster in November 2022, prompting the board to bring Iger back as CEO to stabilize the company. Iger’s return carried a defined endpoint, with his contract initially set through 2024 before extensions pushed it to the end of 2026. In October 2024, under new board chairman James Gorman, the company publicly committed to identifying and naming a permanent successor by early 2026 to address investor concerns over governance and continuity.
The board’s decision favored an internal candidate given the immense complexity of Disney’s operations, which span theme parks and hospitality, film and television production, streaming services, consumer products, cruise lines, and global creative development through units like Walt Disney Imagineering. An external hire would have faced steep learning curves in the limited transition time under Iger. Josh D’Amaro emerged as the choice after a rigorous evaluation process involving mentorship from Iger and assessments of leadership capabilities aligned with long-term strategy.
D’Amaro has spent nearly three decades at Disney, beginning his career in 1998 at Disneyland. His background includes finance roles in consumer products and licensing, followed by leadership positions as president of the Disneyland Resort and later the Walt Disney World Resort. Since May 2020, he has served as chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing the company’s largest revenue-generating segment. In fiscal year 2025, this division generated $36 billion in annual revenue and employed 185,000 cast members and staff worldwide. Under his guidance, the segment achieved record financial performance, creative advancements, and high levels of guest satisfaction. He has spearheaded the most extensive global expansion in the division’s history, including a major new destination project in Abu Dhabi as part of a $60 billion investment commitment across international and domestic parks.
The parks and experiences business has become the primary driver of revenue and profitability for Disney in recent years, outpacing the entertainment division amid challenges in film releases and traditional media. This shift underscored the strategic importance of strong operational leadership in consumer-facing areas, where family engagement with the brand remains central. D’Amaro’s deep roots in the retail and experiential side of Disney position him as a leader steeped in the company’s heritage and guest-focused ethos.
Alongside the CEO transition, the board announced that Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, will take on the role of president and chief creative officer. Walden has played a key part in expanding Disney’s television and streaming portfolio since the 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets, contributing to the growth of Disney+ and Hulu. Her new position ensures continued emphasis on content creation to support the company’s platforms and creative pipeline.
The succession arrives as Disney demonstrates momentum following a turnaround effort initiated by Iger upon his return. Recent quarterly results highlighted strong performance in parks and resorts, alongside improvements in streaming profitability. The company has invested heavily in its core businesses to position them for sustained growth in a rapidly evolving media landscape influenced by technological changes and industry consolidation.
D’Amaro’s appointment reflects confidence in internal talent to maintain Disney’s trajectory while adapting to ongoing shifts. As the new CEO prepares to lead one of the world’s largest entertainment conglomerates, the focus will remain on balancing creative innovation, operational excellence, and shareholder value across its diverse portfolio. This transition represents a pivotal moment for Disney, aiming to build on its legacy while navigating future opportunities and challenges.
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