Josh D’Amaro.webp
The Digest:

The Walt Disney Company has announced that Josh D’Amaro, the current Chairman of Disney Experiences, will succeed Bob Iger as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 18, 2026. D’Amaro's appointment ends years of speculation regarding the leadership transition and follows a period of executive instability that saw Iger return to the role in 2022. Dana Walden, Disney’s TV chief, will become President and Chief Creative Officer. Iger praised D’Amaro's deep brand understanding and ability to blend creativity with operational excellence. D’Amaro’s promotion underscores the strategic importance of the parks, experiences, and consumer products division, which is central to Disney's growth and investment strategy.

Key Points:
  • The appointment stabilizes Disney's leadership after a turbulent period, providing a clear succession plan focused on an executive with a strong operational and guest-facing track record.
  • Elevating the head of the Experiences division signals a corporate priority on monetizing physical assets and expanding its global theme park and cruise line footprint.
  • The creation of a new President and Chief Creative Officer role for Dana Walden aims to centralize creative leadership across the company's vast media portfolio.
  • For investors and the industry, the transition marks the end of the Iger era and the beginning of a new chapter focused on executing ambitious experiential projects.
  • D’Amaro's public-facing, social media-savvy persona represents a modern leadership style aimed at connecting with both consumers and Disney’s frontline employees.

This leadership handover positions Disney to capitalize on its massive investments in physical experiences while navigating the evolving media landscape, under the guidance of an executive deeply familiar with its core brand and operational heart.

Sources: Official company announcement and statements from The Walt Disney Company.