The Walt Disney Company has officially announced that Josh D’Amaro, the current Chairman of Disney Experiences, will take over as CEO starting March 18, 2026. This appointment marks the end of an era for Bob Iger, whose leadership defined Disney’s transformation over the past two decades. Iger’s departure as CEO, and D’Amaro’s promotion, signals the beginning of a new phase for the entertainment giant, poised to navigate an ever-evolving global market.
D’Amaro’s rise to the role of CEO is part of a planned succession strategy by Disney. As the ninth CEO in the company’s 102-year history, D’Amaro brings with him 28 years of experience at Disney. His career has been rooted primarily in Disney’s expansive theme park, resorts, and consumer products business. In his previous role as Chairman of Disney Experiences, D’Amaro has been instrumental in overseeing some of Disney’s most lucrative divisions, including its theme parks and resorts, cruise lines, and the broader consumer products sector.
The Board’s Decision and Iger’s Continued Influence
Disney’s Board of Directors made the unanimous decision to appoint D’Amaro as the new CEO. This vote reflects the trust the Board places in his leadership, particularly in overseeing Disney’s largest business segment—Disney Experiences. Under D’Amaro’s direction, this division generated over $36 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2025, and employs more than 185,000 people globally.
Bob Iger, who made a triumphant return to the CEO position in 2022, will remain an integral figure in Disney’s leadership. He will continue to serve on the board and as a senior advisor until the end of 2026, providing invaluable counsel during the transition period. Iger’s legacy includes his success in steering Disney through significant acquisitions, the launch of Disney+, and his ability to adapt Disney’s portfolio for changing times. His continued presence at Disney ensures continuity as the company enters a new leadership era.
Dana Walden to Oversee Creative Direction
As part of the leadership reshuffle, Dana Walden has been appointed President and Chief Creative Officer of Disney. Walden, who previously served as co-chair of Disney Entertainment, will now oversee Disney’s creative output across its film, television, and streaming divisions. This includes maintaining Disney’s position as a powerhouse in entertainment while ensuring the company remains competitive in the increasingly fragmented media landscape.
By placing Walden in charge of creative content, Disney aims to align its leadership across operations and innovation. Walden’s role will allow her to drive Disney’s creative strategy, helping to navigate the challenges posed by shifting consumer preferences and the increasing importance of streaming platforms. Reporting directly to D’Amaro, Walden’s appointment is seen as a key part of Disney’s broader plan to balance its creative and operational strengths.
D’Amaro’s Rise from Disney Parks to CEO
D’Amaro’s long tenure at Disney began in 1998, when he first joined the company. Over the years, he gained experience in multiple areas of Disney’s sprawling business, ultimately becoming Chairman of Disney Experiences in 2020. This role put him in charge of the company’s global theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, and consumer products divisions, which have played an essential role in Disney’s revenue and brand identity.
D’Amaro’s leadership was critical in overseeing a $60 billion expansion plan that sought to enhance Disney’s tourism offerings, expanding the company’s global reach and deepening its cultural impact. His successful management of Disney Experiences—despite challenges posed by the pandemic—demonstrates his ability to thrive in both times of growth and adversity. His appointment to CEO reflects Disney’s confidence in the ongoing importance of its theme park and resort businesses as integral parts of its long-term strategy.
As Disney faces competition in its streaming segment, D’Amaro’s promotion underscores the company’s commitment to the core business model that has long defined its success: immersive experiences. While Disney’s streaming service, Disney+, has grown rapidly since its 2019 launch, it’s Disney’s physical experiences—its parks and resorts—that remain a reliable source of revenue and brand loyalty.
Iger’s Legacy and Disney’s Strategic Shifts
Bob Iger’s leadership is widely regarded as one of the most transformative in Disney’s history. Under his guidance, Disney expanded its content empire through major acquisitions, including Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. These deals significantly expanded Disney’s intellectual property portfolio, cementing its dominance in the entertainment industry.
Iger also oversaw the creation of Disney+, Disney’s streaming platform, which quickly became a leader in the competitive streaming market. The rapid success of Disney+ reflects Iger’s forward-thinking leadership and his ability to capitalize on emerging media trends.
Despite stepping down as CEO in 2026, Iger’s legacy at Disney will endure. His return to the role in 2022 helped stabilize the company after the turbulent tenure of Bob Chapek, and his influence on Disney’s strategy will continue through his role as senior advisor. Iger’s visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on the company, shaping its content, culture, and brand identity.
Shifting Focus: Strengthening Disney’s Core Experiences
D’Amaro’s appointment signals Disney’s commitment to doubling down on its strength in live experiences, even as its streaming business faces greater challenges. Disney’s ability to create immersive worlds in its theme parks and resorts is unique in the entertainment industry, and D’Amaro’s leadership will likely continue to focus on this competitive edge.
Moreover, Disney’s diverse portfolio offers opportunities to create synergies between its content and its physical experiences. Films and television shows are increasingly influencing Disney park attractions, and Disney parks themselves reinforce the brand’s deep emotional connection with its audience. D’Amaro’s appointment is an acknowledgment of how these intertwined areas of business will continue to support Disney’s long-term strategy.
As Disney faces a slowing growth rate in its streaming business, the company will rely heavily on its parks, resorts, and theme-based experiences to bolster revenue. In his new role, D’Amaro will be instrumental in ensuring the seamless integration of Disney’s various businesses to drive both short-term and long-term growth.
D’Amaro’s Leadership and Challenges
D’Amaro’s leadership will be under close scrutiny as he inherits a company that is both a legacy institution and a global entertainment powerhouse. He will need to navigate the challenges of slowing streaming growth, changing consumer behavior, and increasing competition in an ever-crowded media landscape.
Disney’s future lies not only in maintaining the success of its theme parks and experiences but also in overcoming the growing pressure to find profitability in its streaming services. The company faces the ongoing challenge of adapting to a digital-first world while retaining its focus on creating high-quality, immersive content and experiences.
As D’Amaro steps into his new role, the industry will be watching closely to see how he balances Disney’s operational strengths with the need for creative innovation. His leadership style and strategic direction will define the company’s future, and as the company enters this new chapter, Disney’s legacy will evolve under D’Amaro’s stewardship.
