Josh D’Amaro officially became the chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company on March 18, 2026, taking the reins from Bob Iger at Disney’s annual shareholder meeting. D’Amaro, a 28-year Disney veteran who most recently ran the company’s $36 billion Experiences division, now leads an entertainment conglomerate valued at approximately $176 billion.
- Josh D’Amaro became Disney’s new CEO on March 18, 2026, replacing Bob Iger after a 28-year career inside the company.
- Dana Walden was named president and chief creative officer, a newly created role, with a base salary of $3.75 million compared to D’Amaro’s $2.5 million.
- Iger stepped down eight months ahead of schedule but will stay on as a senior advisor and board member to support the transition.
What Josh D’Amaro Told Shareholders About Disney’s Future
D’Amaro used his first public address as CEO to outline a strategy he called “One Disney,” aimed at breaking down internal silos and delivering a more connected experience across the company’s streaming, parks, and content businesses. He described Disney+ as the “digital centerpiece” of the company, signaling plans to evolve the platform beyond traditional streaming into a hub that links stories, games, experiences, and films.
The new CEO also reaffirmed Disney’s $60 billion theme park expansion plan, first announced in 2023, which covers both domestic and international parks and cruise capacity over the next decade. Under his previous leadership, Disney Experiences generated $36 billion in fiscal year 2025 revenue, making it the company’s largest and fastest-growing segment.
“At its best, Disney creates stories, characters, and experiences that people connect with deeply,” D’Amaro said during the shareholder meeting. He added that “technology acts as an amplifier for our stories, our experiences, and the emotional connection audiences have with our brand.”
Bob Iger’s Exit Looks Different This Time
Iger’s departure marks the end of a tenure that stretched across two separate stints as CEO, from 2005 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2026. His first exit led to a rocky transition under Bob Chapek, who was fired in November 2022 after a brief and turbulent run. This time, Iger chose to leave eight months before his contract required, and he will remain as a senior advisor and board member to smooth the handoff.
Former Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman, who has served as Disney’s board chairman since 2025, oversaw the succession planning process. “I sense confidence and excitement,” Iger told shareholders in his farewell address, expressing support for D’Amaro’s leadership.
How the New Leadership Team Reshapes Disney’s Power Structure
Dana Walden, previously co-chairman of Disney Entertainment and widely considered a top CEO contender, was elevated to the newly created role of president and chief creative officer. Her base salary of $3.75 million exceeds D’Amaro’s $2.5 million starting compensation, a move analysts interpret as a strategic retention decision by the board.
D’Amaro, 55, is a Georgetown University graduate who joined Disney in 1998 and built his career across finance, marketing, creative development, and operations before leading the Experiences division. His listening-first leadership style has drawn attention. Speaking to students, he once said: “I don’t know, but I know you do, and I know I can help.”
Disney’s stock has underperformed relative to broader market gains since Iger’s return in 2022, even as the company navigated a successful streaming turnaround and record theme park revenues. Whether D’Amaro’s “One Disney” vision and parks-first operational background can close that gap with the broader market will be among the first major tests of his leadership. Wall Street will be watching closely as D’Amaro balances the company’s massive capital commitments with investor expectations for margin growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Josh D’Amaro, the New Disney CEO?
Josh D’Amaro is a 55-year-old Disney veteran with 28 years at the company who previously led Disney Experiences, overseeing theme parks, cruise lines, and resorts. He officially became CEO on March 18, 2026, succeeding Bob Iger.
Why Did Bob Iger Leave Disney Eight Months Early?
Bob Iger stepped down as CEO eight months ahead of his planned departure to allow a cleaner leadership transition. Unlike his first succession to Bob Chapek, Iger will remain involved as a senior advisor and board member.
What Are Josh D’Amaro’s Top Priorities as Disney CEO?
D’Amaro outlined a “One Disney” strategy focused on unifying the company’s divisions, making Disney+ the digital centerpiece of the business, and continuing a $60 billion theme park expansion plan.
