The Walt Disney Company has officially appointed Josh D’Amaro as its next Chief Executive Officer, bringing to an end one of Hollywood’s most closely watched corporate succession decisions. D’Amaro, currently Chairman of Disney Experiences, will assume the top leadership role at Disney at the company’s Annual Meeting on March 18, 2026, succeeding longtime CEO Bob Iger.
The Board of Directors voted unanimously to elect D’Amaro to lead the entertainment giant. The move follows a multi-year succession planning process and marks a strategic shift toward continuity and operational expertise as Disney navigates a rapidly changing media and entertainment landscape.
D’Amaro is a 28-year Disney veteran who began his career in 1998 and worked his way through various leadership roles, including President of Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
Bob Iger, who returned in 2022 to steady Disney after a period of leadership turnover, will step down as CEO at the annual meeting but remain a Senior Advisor and Board Member through December 31, 2026. His tenure is widely credited with stabilizing Disney’s business and advancing strategic priorities across streaming, film studios, sports, and parks.
Alongside D’Amaro’s appointment, Disney announced that Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment and a key content executive, will become President and Chief Creative Officer reporting directly to D’Amaro. In her new role, Walden will oversee storytelling and creative strategy across Disney’s films, television, and streaming platforms, a signal of Disney’s ongoing focus on content excellence.
Analysts say D’Amaro’s deep operational experience and success with Disney’s most profitable segments will be critical as the company pursues growth in physical experiences and competes in the streaming landscape.
