Disney has announced it is appointing Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as the CEO of the company next month.
Beginning on Wednesday, March 18th, Iger will officially retire and D’Amaro will take over the role of CEO.
D’Amaro has worked at the company for 28 years. During his tenure, he’s led the largest segment of the company’s business, totalling more than $36 billion in 2025 and overseeing 185,000 worldwide employees.
He will succeed Iger, who returned to the company in 2022 after previously stepping away as its chief executive. Bob Iger will continue to serve as a senior advisor to Josh D’Amaro and work as a member of the Disney board until he retires from the company on December 31st, 2026.
“I am immensely grateful to the Board for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world,” said D’Amaro. “Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences. There is no limit to what Disney can achieve, and I am excited to work with our teams across the company and brilliant creative partners to honor Disney’s remarkable legacy while continuing to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders. I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Iger for his generous mentorship, his friendship, and the profound impact of his leadership.”
“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” added current Disney CEO Robert A. Iger. “He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects. His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary and I am thrilled for Josh and the company.”
The 54-year-old D’Amaro has served as the Chairman of Disney Experiences since 2020.
“Josh D’Amaro possesses that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen eye for strategic growth opportunities, and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people – all of which make him the right person to take the helm as Disney’s next CEO,” said Walt Disney Company Board of Directors Chair James Gorman. “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.
“He has an outstanding record of business achievement, collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment to bring their stories to life in our parks, showcasing the power of combining Disney storytelling with cutting-edge technology,” said Gorman. “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.”
Furthermore, Dana Walden, who serves as the co-chair of Disney Entertainment, has been named President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company. Walden — who becomes the first person to take the newly created role — will report directly to D’Amaro.
“Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community,” said Iger. “Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, she is a wonderful choice to serve in this new leadership role. In the years since Dana joined Disney, she has accumulated great knowledge about the many facets of our businesses and brands, and is very well prepared to be President and Chief Creative Officer.”
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