The Walt Disney Company has appointed Josh D’Amaro as CEO, replacing the departing Bob Iger from March 18, 2026.
D’Amaro is currently Disney Experiences Chairman, and has worked at the studio for 28 years.
Co-chairman of Disney Entertainment Dana Walden will become president and chief creative officer of The Walt Disney Company, also on March 18. Walden will report directly to D’Amaro.
“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 James Gorman, chairman of The Walt Disney Company board of directors.
Iger will continue as senior advisor and a member of the Disney board until his retirement on December 31, 2026.
Under D’Amaro’s stewardship, Disney Experiences brought in $36bn in annual revenue in the 2025 financial year, with 185,000 cast members and employees worldwide.
D’Amaro will be supported by a senior leadership team who have worked together for several years at Disney. Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman and ESPN chairman James Pitaro will continue in their roles, working with D’Amaro and Walden.
“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” said 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.”
The Disney statement announcing the appointment said Iger ‘has provided extensive mentorship to the internal candidates throughout the succession planning process’.
“Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences,” said D’Amaro. “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.”
Iger was Disney CEO from 2005 to 2020; then returned as CEO in 2022 at the board’s request, following the dismissal of his successor Bob Chapek.
“Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community,” added Iger of Walden’s move. “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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