In a significant leadership transition, The Walt Disney Company has announced the appointment of its theme parks and experiences chief as the corporation's next chief executive officer. Josh D'Amaro will officially step into the top role, taking over from the current boss Bob Iger starting from March 18, 2026.
A Three-Year Search Concludes
The entertainment giant has concluded a comprehensive three-year search for its next leader, ultimately selecting the internal candidate who currently oversees Disney's lucrative Experiences division. This division manages the company's globally renowned theme parks, luxury resorts, cruise ships, and various other entertainment attractions worldwide.
From Disneyland to the Boardroom
Mr D'Amaro's appointment represents the latest milestone in his impressive 28-year career with Disney, which began at the Disneyland Resort. Throughout his tenure, he has held numerous leadership positions across multiple divisions within the company, developing a comprehensive understanding of Disney's operations and creative culture.
The 54-year-old executive will succeed Bob Iger, who has led Disney for nearly two decades. Mr Iger originally departed from his role in 2020, only to be asked to return when his successor Bob Chapek stepped down after a challenging two-year tenure. Mr Chapek faced substantial criticism regarding his leadership of the historic brand and his handling of the company during the pandemic period.
Board Confidence in Leadership Transition
In 2023, Mr Iger agreed to extend his contract by two additional years while the board conducted its search for a permanent successor. Disney's chairman James Gorman expressed strong confidence in the selection, asserting that Mr D'Amaro represents the "right person to take the helm" as the company's next chief executive.
"Throughout this search process, Josh has demonstrated a strong vision for the company's future and a deep understanding of the creative spirit that makes Disney unique in an ever-changing marketplace," Mr Gorman stated. "The board believes he is exceptionally well prepared to guide this global company forward to serve our consumers around the world and create long-term value for shareholders."
Financial Performance and Challenges
The leadership announcement comes as Disney reported a 5% increase in revenues throughout 2025, driven primarily by higher subscription fees for its Disney+ streaming platform and successful film releases including Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire And Ash. In the UK market, Disney+ increased its most basic subscription plan from £4.99 to £5.99 per month starting in October.
Notably, the Experiences division led by Mr D'Amaro achieved a 6% year-on-year revenue increase. However, the company has cautioned about reduced international visitor numbers to its United States amusement parks, indicating one of the challenges the new CEO will need to address.
This executive transition marks a pivotal moment for Disney as it navigates evolving consumer preferences, streaming competition, and global entertainment market dynamics under new leadership.
