After months of speculation around Bob Iger’s succession plans, it’s official: Josh D’Amaro will be the next Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company.
Disney announced today that D’Amaro, currently Chairman of Disney Experiences, will succeed Bob Iger as CEO effective March 18, 2026, following the company’s Annual Meeting. The decision was made by a unanimous vote of Disney’s Board of Directors.
At the same time, Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been named President and Chief Creative Officer – a newly created role – also effective March 18. Walden will report directly to D’Amaro.
The Board & Iger Back D’Amaro’s Leadership
Disney Board Chairman James Gorman said D’Amaro stood out throughout the succession process for his leadership style and long-term vision: “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. The Board believes he is exceptionally well prepared to guide this global company forward.”
D’Amaro currently leads Disney’s largest business segment, Disney Experiences, which generated $36 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2025 and employs approximately 185,000 Cast Members and employees worldwide. He has overseen what Disney describes as the largest global expansion in the segment’s history.
Bob Iger, who will remain a Senior Advisor and Disney board member through his retirement at the end of 2026, also endorsed the appointment.
“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” Iger said. “His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary.”
Disney notes that Iger has spent the past several years stabilizing and restructuring the company following his return as CEO in 2022. His tenure focused on restoring financial discipline, reorganizing leadership, improving streaming profitability, strengthening ESPN’s digital strategy, and accelerating growth across Disney Experiences.
D’Amaro will take over a company that Disney says is now in a significantly stronger position than it was three years ago.
Dana Walden Takes on New Creative Role
Concurrent with the CEO transition, Dana Walden will take on the role of President and Chief Creative Officer — a first for the company. In the position, she will oversee storytelling and creative strategy across Disney’s studios, media, and content platforms.
“Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, she is a wonderful choice to serve in this new leadership role,” Iger said.
Walden has led Disney Entertainment’s film, television, news, and streaming businesses and was widely viewed as a leading internal candidate during the CEO search.
“There Is No Limit to What Disney Can Achieve”
D’Amaro, a 28-year Disney veteran, said he was grateful for the opportunity and emphasized the company’s creative foundation.
“Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences,” D’Amaro said. “There is no limit to what Disney can achieve.”
He also credited Iger for his mentorship throughout the succession process.
About Josh D’Amaro
D’Amaro, 54, joined Disney in 1998 and has held leadership roles across finance, strategy, marketing, operations, and resort management. He previously served as President of Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
As Chairman of Disney Experiences, he oversees Disney’s global theme parks and resorts, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, consumer products, Walt Disney Imagineering, and major digital initiatives, including Disney’s partnership with Epic Games.
Major projects under his leadership include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and World of Frozen, with future developments planned across Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and international destinations.
