Disney has appointed Josh D'Amaro as its next chief executive officer, effective March 18, 2026, succeeding Bob Iger and marking the ninth leader in the company's 102-year history.
D'Amaro, 54, currently chairs Disney Experiences—the division encompassing theme parks, cruise ships, resorts, and consumer products—which has become the company's primary profit driver. In the most recent fiscal year, Experiences generated $36 billion in revenue and accounted for the majority of operating income, outpacing traditional entertainment segments.
The selection reflects Disney's strategic shift toward experiences as its growth engine, with the company committing a record $60 billion to expand theme parks and cruises through 2033. D'Amaro, a 28-year Disney veteran, has led this segment since 2020, overseeing major expansions and innovations, including a $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games to boost video gaming integration across the company.
His background is rooted in theme-park operations and finance, with roles at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and international sites. While some critics note his limited direct experience in film and TV creative talent management, unlike Walden, who has decades in entertainment, D'Amaro has increasingly collaborated with creative teams, including through Walt Disney Imagineering, and engaged with stars and industry figures.