• Josh D'Amaro appointed CEO of Disney, effective March 18, 2026, succeeding Bob Iger.
• Current parks head, D'Amaro has been with Disney since 1998 and led successful expansions.
• Dana Walden is named President and Chief Creative Officer, supporting D'Amaro in the transition.
• The appointment comes amid challenges in the streaming business and pressures in the entertainment industry.
• D'Amaro’s leadership style is expected to focus on Disney's core values and innovation.

The Walt Disney Company has announced that Josh D'Amaro, the head of its theme parks division, will become the new CEO, taking over from Bob Iger on March 18, 2026. This decisive move comes after years of uncertainty regarding Iger's succession and is seen as key to navigating Disney's future amidst evolving dynamics in the entertainment landscape, including the rise of artificial intelligence and industry consolidation, according to Business Insider, Reuters, and ABC News.

At 54, D'Amaro brings nearly three decades of experience within Disney, having held multiple leadership roles and currently overseeing its largest and most profitable segment— the experiences division, which includes parks and cruises. Under his leadership, this segment generated a record operating profit of nearly $10 billion last fiscal year, emphasizing his suitability for guiding Disney through its next chapter, states BBC and Channel News Asia.

This transition follows Iger’s complex history with succession planning, which was marred by the brief tenure of former CEO Bob Chapek. Iger could not finalize his departure in 2020 and returned in 2022 to stabilize the company following a series of declining performances. D’Amaro’s promotion reflects a strategic choice to prioritize stability and internal leadership that resonates with Disney’s culture, according to South China Morning Post and Business Insider.

D’Amaro's leadership style is characterized by a collaborative and approachable demeanor, which contrasts with Chapek's tenure. His experience is expected to facilitate communication across Disney's various divisions, further aided by the appointment of Dana Walden as the new president and chief creative officer. Together, they are tasked with revitalizing Disney's streaming efforts and navigating a turbulent industry landscape, as indicated by CBS News and Business Insider.

As D'Amaro prepares to take over, Disney faces mounting pressures, particularly in its traditional media and streaming sectors, which have struggled to achieve sustainable profitability. His proposals include expanding content offerings while exploring innovative technologies such as AI, reflecting Disney's commitment to staying relevant in a fast-evolving market—information drawn from Business Insider and ABC News.