Josh D’Amaro Named Next CEO of The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors unanimously selected Josh D’Amaro to serve as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer, with the appointment taking effect on March 18, 2026. The decision follows a structured succession process managed by the company’s leadership.

Josh D’Amaro currently holds the position of Chairman of Disney Experiences, which is the largest revenue-generating segment of the company. He has been with Disney for 28 years, having joined in 1998 and later holding roles such as President of Disneyland Resort and President of Walt Disney World Resort before his current role, which he assumed in 2020.

Disney Experiences oversees a broad range of operations, including 12 theme parks, 57 resort hotels, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Disney Institute, Storyliving by Disney, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Disney Consumer Products. In fiscal year 2025, this division generated $36 billion in annual revenue and employed approximately 185,000 Cast Members worldwide.

Dana Walden, who is currently Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, will take on the role of President and Chief Creative Officer, reporting directly to D’Amaro, also effective March 18, 2026. The succession planning committee, chaired by James Gorman, was established by Disney’s Board in January 2023 to oversee the transition process.

What the numbers show

• Disney Experiences reported $36 billion in revenue in 2025
• Approximately 185,000 Cast Members were employed by Disney Experiences that year
• Josh D’Amaro has worked at Disney for 28 years
• Disney’s stock increased by over 1% in pre-market trading after the announcement

Josh D’Amaro’s appointment followed a multi-year process that included consideration of internal candidates and mentorship from current CEO Bob Iger. D’Amaro is 54 years old and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgetown University.

Bob Iger will remain with Disney as Senior Advisor and continue to serve on the Board until his planned retirement on December 31, 2026. The Board’s approval of D’Amaro’s appointment was unanimous, as confirmed in company statements and media reports.

Following the announcement of the leadership changes, Disney’s stock price rose by more than 1% during pre-market trading. The company’s leadership transition is scheduled to be completed in March 2026, when D’Amaro and Walden assume their new roles.

Disney Experiences, under D’Amaro’s leadership, has included oversight of multiple business areas, and the segment remains a key contributor to the company’s overall performance. The succession plan was developed to ensure continuity in Disney’s executive leadership and operational management.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.