Josh D’Amaro Named Next CEO of The Walt Disney Company

(eap) Bob Iger’s succession has now been officially confirmed: The Walt Disney Company will in future be led by Josh D’Amaro as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors unanimously approved D’Amaro’s appointment yesterday. At the upcoming Annual Meeting on March 18, 2026, the 54-year-old is set to formally assume the role from long-serving CEO Robert (Bob) A. Iger. In addition, it is intended that D’Amaro will be appointed to the Disney Board of Directors following the Annual Meeting. Also on the day of the Annual Meeting, Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, is set to be appointed President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company.

D’Amaro, who has been with the Disney group for 28 years, currently leads Disney Experiences, the company’s largest business segment. In fiscal year 2025, the division generated annual revenue of USD 36 billion and employs approximately 185,000 Cast Members and employees worldwide. D’Amaro is regarded as the “architect” of the largest global expansion phase in the history of Disney Experiences and has played a key role in advancing the segment financially, creatively, and in terms of guest satisfaction.

James Gorman, Chairman of the Disney Board of Directors, said: “Josh D’Amaro possesses that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen eye for strategic growth opportunities, and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people – all of which make him the right person to take the helm as Disney’s next CEO.” The Board believes that D’Amaro is exceptionally well prepared to guide the company forward globally and to create long-term value for shareholders.

Current CEO Bob Iger also welcomed the decision: “Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO. He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects.”

Iger added: “Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community. Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, she is a wonderful choice to serve in this new leadership role.”

Bob Iger closely supported the internal succession process and, following the leadership transition, will continue to serve the company as Senior Advisor and as a member of the Board of Directors until December 31, 2026, when he will retire. Under his leadership, Disney has implemented extensive strategic and structural changes in recent years and has repositioned itself for long-term growth.

Incoming CEO Josh D’Amaro said: “I am immensely grateful to the Board for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world. Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences. I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Iger for his generous mentorship, his friendship, and the profound impact of his leadership.” ■