Josh D’Amaro set to lead Disney into its post-Iger era

Josh D’Amaro has been elected as the next chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, with the transition set to take effect on March 18 following the company’s annual shareholders meeting.

He will succeed Bob Iger, who will move into a senior advisory role and remain on the board until his retirement at the end of 2026.

A pivotal moment for Disney

D’Amaro’s appointment follows a multi-year succession process and a unanimous vote by Disney’s board. At 54, he brings nearly three decades of experience at the company and currently leads Disney Experiences, its largest and most profitable division.

The segment generated around $36 billion in revenue in the 2025 financial year and spans theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, consumer products and live entertainment worldwide.

What D’Amaro brings to the role

As chairman of Disney Experiences, D’Amaro oversaw the company’s biggest-ever global expansion, including major park projects tied to Star Wars, Marvel, Frozen and Avatar.

He has also led Disney’s push into large-scale digital partnerships, including its collaboration with Epic Games, while previously serving as president of both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

Creative leadership reshaped

Alongside D’Amaro’s promotion, Dana Walden has been appointed president and chief creative officer in a newly created role.

Walden will report directly to D’Amaro and oversee creative strategy across Disney’s studios, networks and streaming platforms, reinforcing storytelling as the core of the company’s business.

What happens next

D’Amaro formally takes the helm in March, inheriting a company navigating intense competition in streaming, ambitious theme park expansion and shifting audience habits.

With Iger staying on as a senior adviser during the transition, Disney is betting on continuity as it enters its next chapter.