Disney has appointed Josh D’Amaro, the head of its parks division, as the new CEO to replace Bob Iger at the entertainment conglomerate. D’Amaro, who has been overseeing Disney’s theme parks, cruises, and resorts since 2020, will become the ninth chief executive in the company’s history. The experiences division, which includes theme parks, has been a significant revenue generator for Disney, bringing in $36 billion in annual revenue in fiscal 2025 and employing 185,000 people globally.
Taking the reins at a time when Disney is enjoying success with box office hits like “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” as well as a thriving streaming business, D’Amaro faces challenges in navigating the shifting landscape of the entertainment industry. Issues such as the rise of generative AI, the consolidation of streaming services, and government intervention in entertainment companies have added complexity to the sector.
The decision to appoint the next CEO at Disney comes after a previous failed attempt to replace Iger, which led to his return to the position in 2022 due to performance issues under his successor, Bob Chapek. The meticulous search for Iger’s successor began in 2024, with a succession planning committee established in 2023. Iger will continue to serve as a senior advisor and board member until his retirement at the end of the year.
Amidst this leadership transition, Disney is facing scrutiny and turmoil, with controversies like the decision to pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from ABC following remarks made by the host. The incident raised concerns about potential government influence on entertainment content. Other industry players, such as Paramount, have also faced criticism for settlements and business decisions perceived as politically motivated.
D’Amaro and Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, emerged as top contenders for the CEO position. D’Amaro, with a long tenure at Disney, has led major investments in the company’s theme parks and licensing business. Walden, who joined Disney in 2019 after a career at 21st Century Fox, will take on the role of chief creative officer at Disney, reporting to D’Amaro. The appointments of D’Amaro and Walden are effective as of March 18.