The sit-down, which aired Tuesday night, focused on the leadership transition, Disney’s approach to risk-taking, the company’s evolving technology strategy, and how D’Amaro plans to steward a brand Iger repeatedly described as larger than a typical corporation. D’Amaro will officially take over as CEO on March 18, 2026.
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Disney’s Role in American Life
Asked what the next CEO must understand to keep Disney relevant, Iger framed the company as a cultural force rather than a standard business.
“Disney is not just another company. Disney really is a cultural institution that has touched hundreds of millions of people for now over 100 years,” Iger said. “Having that appreciation, knowing the place Disney occupies in people’s lives, I think is essential to anyone occupying this position.”
D’Amaro said his nearly three decades with the company – much of it spent overseeing parks and experiences – has shaped how he views that responsibility.
“I spend a lot of time in our beloved parks that hundreds of millions of people enjoy every year, and I see firsthand the importance of the brand, what Disney means to them, what it means to these families,” D’Amaro said. “When you feel that and you understand the legacy of this place and the fact that you need to keep pushing forward and being innovative, I think I’m ready for that challenge.”
Risk & Expansion – Why Abu Dhabi?
The conversation drew a line from Walt Disney’s original gamble on Disneyland to Iger’s own tenure, marked by major acquisitions including Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. D’Amaro aligned himself with that philosophy.
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“Bob’s a big risk taker. I’m a big risk taker, and that’s been true my whole life with how I’ve approached growing as an individual to how I’ve approached the business world,” D’Amaro said.
He pointed to Disney’s recently announced theme park project in Abu Dhabi as a current example of that mindset.
“Just several months ago, we announced a massive expansion in a new part of the world, in Abu Dhabi. We did that quickly. We did it ambitiously, and we knew there was a new part of the world to serve, and this is the first new theme park in 15 years for Disney,” he said.
D’Amaro emphasized the strategic importance of the Middle East location, citing both population growth and geography.
“This part of the world represents a population that is young, that is huge. In fact, within a four-hour flight radius of Abu Dhabi, a third of the world’s population is there,” he said.
Iger noted that the region had long been on Disney’s radar and said the opportunity gained momentum after his return as CEO.
“We stood on that same property, and you look at the water, and you look at the sand, you look at the place that you’re in, and you dream big, big ambition, and you think, well, we can do this,” Iger said.
Artificial Intelligence and Human Creativity
Iger said D’Amaro’s perspective on technology was a key factor in his selection as CEO.
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“One of the reasons Josh was chosen for this position is I’ve observed him over the years that we’ve worked together as someone that views technology as an opportunity and not a threat,” Iger said. “When you look at the history of human beings, no generation of human being has ever been able to stand in the way of technological advance.”
He stressed that technology, including artificial intelligence, does not replace the human creativity that defines Disney.
“The reason this company is so special is because of how creative we are, and human beings that are generating that creativity, in my mind, that never gets replaced,” Iger said.
D’Amaro echoed that sentiment, saying Disney’s creative teams are already integrating AI tools into their work.
“AI to Bob’s point is here, and it’s something that we’re embracing. You’re seeing it’s supercharged these creatives in amazing ways,” he said. “This is when the Walt Disney Company thrives, when technology intersects with brilliant people and creativity, and we’re in that moment right now.”
D’Amaro also addressed Dana Walden’s appointment as President and Chief Creative Officer, a newly created position that centralizes creative leadership across Disney’s businesses.
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“She is an incredibly powerful executive. She’s got years and years of experience in this space. She’s exceptionally creative, and she’s a great human being, and I think it’s absolutely the right step to continue to push us into this next frontier,” D’Amaro said.
Walden previously served as Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, overseeing the company’s film, television, and streaming operations.
The Transition Ahead
Iger confirmed he will step down as CEO on March 18 and remain with the company as an advisor through the end of 2026.
“I’ll be stepping down as CEO on March 18. I’ll be an employee of the company and an advisor through the end of this calendar year, and I will be available on call should anyone want any advice from me,” Iger said, to which D’Amaro quickly added “I’ll call him”, with a nod.
Reflecting on the transition, Iger acknowledged that leaving the role will not be simple.
“You can’t just turn the switch off one day when something that you’ve been so involved with and because it’s such an important part of your life,” he said. “But I’m just looking forward to quieter moments and quieter days and a little bit more room in my life.”
D’Amaro said the weight of the role is something he fully expects to feel.
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“The sense of responsibility that I have for this role and this company, of course, I feel the weight on my shoulders. I think I should feel it,” he said. “But I just feel so fortunate to be in a position to be able to be that next steward for the brand into the next 100 years.”
Disney has not yet announced who will succeed D’Amaro as Chairman of Disney Experiences.
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Theme Park Correspondent for The DIS | Chloé loves kitschy dark rides, roller coasters, a good background area music loop, hot Butterbeer, and all things Halloween. You’ll mostly find her wandering around Orlando’s biggest theme parks snapping pics and sharing tips… or probably talking about The Great Movie Ride.
