Disney Appoints D'Amaro CEO, Iger Transitions

has concluded its closely watched CEO succession, appointing Josh D’Amaro, head of Disney Experiences, to the top role, effective March 18. D’Amaro, with nearly 30 years at Disney, including leading the profitable parks and consumer products division, is seen as a leader in the classic Disney mold, deeply understanding the brand's interaction with families.

Current CEO Bob Iger, who has served for nearly two decades, will transition to a senior advisor role until his retirement on December 31, 2026. This move follows a two-year saga and intense board pressure to ensure a smooth transition after the previous tumultuous handover to Bob Chapek in 2020.

Dana Walden, a former top CEO candidate and co-chair of Disney Entertainment, has been promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer, reporting directly to D’Amaro. This dual appointment strategically balances D'Amaro's operational and experiential expertise with Walden's proven creative leadership, aiming to drive growth across both the company's robust theme parks (which saw a $60 billion investment) and its content-generating entertainment divisions.

The board, led by James Gorman, emphasized D'Amaro's vision and operational excellence, and Walden's creative acumen, signaling a focus on both core business drivers and innovative storytelling to deliver long-term shareholder value.