Josh D’Amaro Appointed as Disney’s New CEO

The Walt Disney Company has announced that Josh D’Amaro, currently chairman of Disney Experiences, will become its next Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Bob Iger. Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, has also been elevated to the role of president and chief creative officer.

Both leadership changes will take effect at Disney’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on March 18, 2026. Following the meeting, D’Amaro is also expected to join the company’s board of directors.

A Disney veteran of nearly three decades, D’Amaro leads the company’s largest business division, Disney Experiences, which generated $36 billion in revenue in fiscal 2025 and employs around 185,000 people worldwide. In a statement, he thanked the board for its confidence and said he looks forward to building on Disney’s legacy while driving innovation and growth.

D’Amaro’s appointment follows years of high-profile leadership changes at Disney, including Bob Iger’s return as CEO in 2022 after the departure of Bob Chapek. Iger, who endorsed D’Amaro as the right choice to guide the company forward, will remain as a senior advisor and board member until his retirement at the end of 2026.

The company said the decision comes after an extensive succession planning process overseen by a special board committee, reflecting Disney’s focus on ensuring a smooth and strategic leadership transition.