The Walt Disney Company announced on Tuesday that Josh D’Amaro will succeed Bob Iger as its chief executive officer, effective March 18, 2026, marking a significant leadership transition at the global entertainment giant. The board’s decision follows months of internal succession planning and comes as Disney navigates challenges in streaming, media competition and evolving consumer behavior, the company said.
D’Amaro, 54, currently serves as chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing the company’s parks, resorts, cruise lines, consumer products and related businesses. A 28-year Disney veteran, he will take the helm after Iger steps down from day-to-day leadership but remains with the company as a senior adviser and board member through the end of 2026, Disney said.
Board chair James Gorman and Iger both praised D’Amaro’s operational expertise and strategic vision in an official statement, saying his deep knowledge of Disney’s core consumer-facing businesses positions him to lead the company into its next phase. Iger, who returned as CEO in 2022 to steer the company through a period of upheaval, will transition to the advisory role upon D’Amaro’s appointment, the announcement stated.
In addition to D’Amaro’s appointment, Disney said Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, will become president and chief creative officer, responsible for driving content strategy across film, television and digital platforms. Walden was widely viewed as a contender for the chief executive role and her expanded responsibilities underscore the company’s emphasis on creative leadership.
D’Amaro’s portfolio at Disney has included oversight of 12 theme parks and 57 resort hotels globally, as well as major investments in consumer products and immersive experiences. Under his leadership, the Disney Experiences division reported strong financial performance, contributing significantly to the company’s operating income, according to Reuters reporting.
Disney said D’Amaro’s compensation package for 2026 will include a base salary and performance incentives that could bring total pay to an estimated $38 million, reflecting the board’s confidence in his leadership. Walden’s compensation package, tied to creative and business performance, was reported at approximately $24 million.
Investors and industry analysts have noted the backdrop of slowing traditional media revenues and intense competition in streaming services as key strategic challenges for Disney’s next CEO. D’Amaro inherits a company with enduring franchise strength in brands such as Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar, but facing heightened pressure to evolve its digital offerings and content distribution strategies.
Activist investor voices have reacted to the appointment with mixed views. Nelson Peltz, who previously challenged Disney’s board, expressed skepticism about the choice, suggesting D’Amaro’s background outside Hollywood production could test leadership breadth, though the board’s unanimous vote underscores internal support.
D’Amaro’s succession closes a three-year search process initiated after Iger’s temporary return to leadership in 2022 following the departure of his former successor. The transition is likely to shape Disney’s strategic direction through the late 2020s as the company balances creative output with operational growth.
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