Josh D’Amaro set to succeed Bob Iger as Disney chief executive
The Walt Disney Company has named Josh D’Amaro, the head of its parks, experiences and cruise business, as its next chief executive officer, bringing closure to a turbulent and closely watched leadership succession at one of the world’s largest entertainment groups.
D’Amaro will assume the role next month, succeeding Bob Iger, who returned as CEO in 2022 after Disney abruptly dismissed his chosen successor, Bob Chapek, amid investor pressure, strategic uncertainty and internal discontent. Iger’s return was initially framed as a temporary stabilisation move, with the board tasked to identify and groom a long-term leader.
D’Amaro, widely regarded inside Disney as a steady operator and strong culture carrier, has overseen the company’s most consistently profitable division during a period marked by streaming losses, cost-cutting and restructuring elsewhere in the business. Under his leadership, Disney’s parks and experiences unit delivered resilient earnings, expanded cruise operations and continued major investments in theme park expansions across the United States and internationally.
Disney’s board said D’Amaro was selected for his operational discipline, strategic clarity and ability to balance creative ambition with financial performance. His elevation also reflects a broader shift within Disney toward prioritising cash-generating businesses as it recalibrates its streaming strategy and content spending.
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Iger, who led Disney for a combined 15 years across two tenures, will step down after overseeing the transition. His legacy includes major acquisitions such as Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox, alongside the launch of Disney+, which reshaped the company’s long-term direction but also strained its balance sheet.
D’Amaro joined Disney in 1998 and rose through the ranks, holding senior roles across consumer products, global retail and theme parks before being appointed chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products in 2020. His appointment is seen by analysts as a signal of continuity rather than disruption, at a time when Disney is under pressure to restore investor confidence, rein in costs and deliver sustainable growth.
The leadership change comes as Disney continues to streamline its operations, reassess its media assets and navigate a rapidly changing entertainment landscape shaped by shifting consumer habits, intensified competition and evolving technologies.
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