For years, Josh D’Amaro has been seen as one of the brightest rising stars within The Walt Disney Company. Now, with growing rumors that he could be the frontrunner to be the next Disney CEO, fans are asking: Would D’Amaro restore Disney magic, or continue the recent era of price hikes and corporate strategy over guest experience?
Josh D’Amaro’s Journey with Disney
Josh D’Amaro began his career at Disney in 1998, starting in corporate roles that laid the foundation for his deep understanding of the company’s brand, operations, and culture.
But it wasn’t until 2013 that D’Amaro truly rose to prominence. That year, he was named Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where he played a key leadership role during the planning and development of Pandora – The World of Avatar. The project would become one of Disney’s most ambitious and successful park expansions, setting a new standard for immersive themed entertainment.
His success at Animal Kingdom paved the way for a rapid ascent. By 2017, D’Amaro had become Chief Commercial Officer of Walt Disney World, and shortly after, President of Disneyland in California. His ability to connect with cast members, listen to guests, and lead with empathy quickly made him a favorite among park fans and insiders alike.
The Pandemic and a Pivotal Promotion
In 2020, amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, then-CEO Bob Chapek promoted Josh D’Amaro to Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (now known as Disney Experiences). It was a defining moment.
While Chapek was often criticized for appearing disconnected from guests and employees, D’Amaro was widely praised for his emotional intelligence. At a time when tens of thousands of cast members were being furloughed, D’Amaro was seen in the parks offering support, even hugging team members during some of the company’s most difficult moments.
That kind of visible, compassionate leadership stood in stark contrast to the corporate coldness many associated with Chapek, and only fueled speculation that D’Amaro should eventually take over the CEO role someday.
From Fan Favorite to Symbol of Controversy
But D’Amaro’s image as Disney’s “golden boy” didn’t last forever.
Since the parks reopened, many of the most controversial changes in Disney’s recent history have occurred under his leadership:
- The shift from free FastPass to paid Lightning Lane
- The discontinuation of Disney’s Magical Express airport transportation
- Sharp increases in ticket and hotel prices
- Ongoing cutbacks to live entertainment and in-park experiences
To be clear, D’Amaro may not have been the originator of all these decisions, many were likely already in motion under Chapek’s broader strategic direction. But as the executive in charge of Disney Experiences, he oversaw their implementation, and for many fans, he’s become the face of those changes.
The Big Question: What Kind of CEO Would He Be?
So if D’Amaro is named Disney’s next CEO, what should fans expect?
There are two competing narratives:
- The Optimistic View: D’Amaro understands the soul of Disney, knows the parks inside and out, and has the emotional intelligence to bring back a sense of magic that’s felt missing. He could re-center Disney around storytelling, cast member culture, and guest-first values.
- The Skeptical View: D’Amaro has already shown he’s willing to support or execute the same monetization strategies that frustrated fans under Chapek. His likeability might be genuine, but it doesn’t guarantee he’ll change course if the broader corporate structure remains the same.
My Take on the Josh D’Amaro CEO Rumors
Personally, I’m torn.
I remember the Josh D’Amaro who earned admiration by walking through the parks with cast members, listening to their concerns, and making decisions that felt rooted in care. But I also see the executive who’s become associated with an era of nickel-and-diming and decisions that made the Disney experience feel less magical and more transactional.
If Josh D’Amaro becomes the next Disney CEO, will we get the visionary leader that fans once believed in, or a more charismatic version of the status quo?
One thing is certain: Disney doesn’t just need another CEO. It needs someone who will protect the company’s identity, rebuild trust with loyal fans, and lead with both innovation and heart.
