New Walt Disney Company CEO Josh D’Amaro is a longtime employee of the company, and he believes that helps him navigate uncharted territory when it comes to AI.
D’Amaro, who was announced Tuesday as the executive tasked with succeeding Bob Iger next month, has spent 28 years with the organization.
And in an interview with David Muir on World News Tonight, D’Amaro said that the use of AI at the company is something that’s ancillary to the organization, not strictly fueling its growth and success.
“The reason this company is so special is because of how creative we are and the human beings that are generating that creativity — something that, in my mind, never gets replaced,” D’Amaro shared. “And in fact, this isn’t even theory anymore; this is real. AI is here, and it’s something we’re embracing.
“You’re seeing it supercharge these creatives in amazing ways,” D’Amaro said of the technology. “They’ve embraced artificial intelligence, and if you were to walk over to their studios today, you’d see them using AI, harnessing 70 years of history. This is when The Walt Disney Company thrives — when technology intersects with brilliant people and creativity — and we’re in that moment right now.”
During the discussion, Iger shared that he felt the weight on his shoulders felt slightly less with the appointment of Josh D’Amaro. But the incoming CEO said he now feels the gravity of the situation.
“The sense of responsibility that I have for this role and this company — of course, I feel the weight on my shoulders,” D’Amaro said. “And I think I should feel it. But I also feel so fortunate to be in a position to be the next steward for the brand as it moves into the next 100 years.”
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Hey Josh: Bob hopes you do a better job than the last guy, so he doesn’t have to come back again in 2 years and clean up another mess.