• Josh D'Amaro, head of Disney's parks division, will succeed Bob Iger as CEO on March 18, 2026.
• The succession decision ends years of uncertainty in Disney's leadership following Iger's return in 2022.
• D'Amaro has been credited with record profits in Disney's experiences segment, but faces challenges in streaming and overall company growth.
• Dana Walden has been appointed as the president and chief creative officer of Disney.
• Concerns remain about the impact of generative AI technology and industry consolidation on Disney’s future success.

Walt Disney Company has formally announced that Josh D'Amaro, the current head of its parks division, will take over as CEO from Bob Iger on March 18, 2026. This follows Iger's notable leadership, which has significantly shaped the modern Disney with strategic acquisitions and expansions during his extended tenure, ultimately leading to D'Amaro's promotion after a rigorous succession planning process led by James Gorman, the new chairman of Disney's board, according to Business Insider and Reuters.

D'Amaro, a 28-year company veteran, will now oversee not only Disney's theme parks but also cruise operations and consumer products, making him responsible for a significant portion (nearly 60%) of the company's profits. His leadership has been marked by innovation and previous successes in the experiences division, which generated an operating profit of nearly $10 billion last fiscal year, according to ABC News and Channel News Asia.

In addition to D'Amaro's promotion, Dana Walden has been elevated to the position of president and chief creative officer of Disney. Walden, recognized for her influential role in the entertainment sector, will assist D'Amaro in enhancing Disney's storytelling and innovation across various platforms. This is part of Disney's strategy to ensure creative consistency as it adapts to a rapidly evolving media landscape, as detailed by Reuters and BBC.

Despite the promising outlook with D'Amaro at the helm, several challenges await him. The looming impact of generative AI and a decline in international visitors to the U.S. pose significant risks to the parks business. Furthermore, with the entertainment industry facing increasing competition and ongoing labor tensions, particularly with the upcoming guild contract negotiations, D'Amaro will need to navigate these complexities while also ensuring growth in the streaming segment, according to Business Insider and CBS News.

Industry analysts suggest that D'Amaro's unfamiliarity with Hollywood dynamics could impede his ability to steer Disney through these turbulent waters, contrasting with Iger’s established connections and experience. As competition among streaming services intensifies, especially with rivals like Netflix and Paramount expanding, D'Amaro's strategic decisions will be crucial in defining Disney's trajectory moving forward, as outlined in ABC News and Channel News Asia.