Josh D’Amaro, a 28-year Disney veteran, has been appointed as the next Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, effective March 18, 2026. This announcement comes after a unanimous vote by the Board of Directors, who also plan to appoint D’Amaro as a director immediately following the Annual Meeting. D’Amaro, currently the head of Disney Experiences, a segment generating $36 billion in annual revenue and employing 185,000 Cast Members and employees worldwide, has been pivotal in Disney's global expansion and financial success. His leadership has been instrumental in enhancing Disney's reputation for creativity and guest satisfaction.
The Board of Directors, led by James Gorman, praised D’Amaro's exceptional leadership, innovation, and strategic vision. Gorman highlighted D’Amaro's deep passion for the Disney brand and his ability to collaborate with industry leaders to bring their stories to life through cutting-edge technology. Robert A. Iger, the outgoing CEO, also expressed his confidence in D’Amaro's leadership, emphasizing his appreciation for the Disney brand and his ability to combine creativity with operational excellence.
As part of the leadership transition, Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been named President and Chief Creative Officer, also effective March 18. Walden's role will be to ensure that storytelling and creative expression across all audience touchpoints consistently reflect the brand, engage audiences, and advance core business objectives. This appointment marks a historic first for the company, as Walden will report directly to D’Amaro.
The succession planning process, initiated in January 2023, was thorough and extensive, involving a special committee led by Gorman and including directors with direct experience in CEO succession planning. D’Amaro and Walden underwent rigorous preparation, including mentorship from Iger, external coaching, and direct engagement with all directors. This process ensures a smooth transition and aligns with the company's long-term strategic goals.
D’Amaro's career at Disney has been marked by leadership roles in finance, business strategy, marketing, creative development, and operations. He has been instrumental in expanding Disney's iconic franchises through immersive, story-driven experiences at theme parks, such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Marvel-themed Avengers Campus. His leadership will continue to drive Disney's growth and innovation, with upcoming projects including a Monsters, Inc.-themed land and a new Avatar destination.
The company's senior leadership team, including Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman and ESPN Chairman James Pitaro, will support D’Amaro and Walden in their new roles. This team brings decades of experience and a proven ability to navigate periods of change while delivering strong business outcomes. The company's continuity, stability, and clear execution under D’Amaro's leadership are expected to promote further success and innovation.
