Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, will become CEO of The Walt Disney Company on 18th March 2026, succeeding Bob Iger.
The board of directors unanimously elected D’Amaro on Monday, with Iger continuing as Senior Advisor and board member until retiring on 31st December 2026.
D’Amaro, 54, is a 28-year Disney veteran who oversees the company’s largest business segment, generating $36 billion in annual revenue with 185,000 cast members and employees worldwide. He has led the largest global expansion in Disney Experiences history, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, and World of Frozen.
“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.
Bob Iger praised the appointment: “He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects.”
Dana Walden Named President and Chief Creative Officer
Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been named President and Chief Creative Officer, effective 18th March. She will report directly to D’Amaro, overseeing storytelling and creative expression across all touchpoints whilst driving enterprise-wide initiatives.
About Josh D’Amaro’s Background
D’Amaro joined Disney in 1998 at Disneyland Resort and has served as chairman of Disney Experiences since 2020. He oversees 12 theme parks and 57 resort hotels worldwide, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Disney Consumer Products.
Upcoming projects include a Monsters, Inc.-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a new Avatar destination at Disneyland Resort, and Magic Kingdom’s largest-ever expansion featuring Cars and Disney Villains areas.
The appointment follows a multi-year succession planning process that began in January 2023. D’Amaro and Walden underwent extensive mentorship from Iger, external coaching, and engagement with all board directors.
“I am immensely grateful to the Board for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world,” D’Amaro said. “Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences.”
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