Who is Josh D'Amaro? Disney's New CEO

The Walt Disney Company closed one of the longest and most pivotal chapters in its corporate history by announcing Josh D’Amaro as Disney’s new CEO. He will succeed Bob Iger, the executive who, for nearly two decades, redefined the global entertainment business. This appointment concludes a three-year search for the successor to one of the most influential leaders in the creative industry. The news took the market by surprise. Although Bob Iger had anticipated his departure sometime in 2026, few expected the official announcement to arrive so swiftly. On Monday, February 2, Iger confirmed in The Wall Street Journal that he would step down as CEO this year; one day later, Disney revealed his successor’s name. The transition will become effective on March 18, 2026, the date from which Josh D’Amaro will formally assume the role of

Iger, for his part, will remain a senior advisor and member of the board of directors until December 31, when his contract with the company concludes.

Josh D’Amaro, Chosen to Continue Bob Iger’s Legacy

While his name may not be as high-profile as other Hollywood executives, Josh D’Amaro is a key figure within the Disney ecosystem. With 28 years of tenure at the company, his career exemplifies the classic internal leadership model Disney sought to ensure stability after past unsuccessful succession attempts. Currently, D’Amaro serves as Chairman of Disney Experiences, the group’s most profitable division, responsible for theme parks, cruises, hotels, and global licensing. From this position, he has spearheaded the business that today sustains a significant portion of the company’s operating revenue. The board of directors itself confirmed that Bob Iger personally mentored internal candidates in a deliberate effort to ensure an orderly and strategic transition.

Who is Josh D’Amaro? Profile of Disney’s New CEO

Josh D’Amaro was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1971. He joined Disney in 1998, beginning his career at Disneyland Resort, where he started building an operational profile that would lead him to hold some of the most significant positions within the company. Over more than two decades, D’Amaro has held key roles that allowed him to understand the business from its foundations:

President of Disneyland Resort in California
President of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Chief Financial Officer of Disney Consumer Products and Global Licensing
Chairman of Disney Experiences, his current role In 2008, he made a strategic shift by assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer for the consumer products and licensing division, which allowed him to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business beyond park operations. Over time, he became responsible for overseeing theme parks, cruises, resorts, Walt Disney Imagineering, and global licensing management, one of the most complex structures within the conglomerate. Today, at 54, D’Amaro takes on the greatest challenge of his career.

The Succession Process: Why Did Disney Choose D’Amaro?

Josh D’Amaro was selected from several internal candidates considered to replace Iger. High-profile names among them included:

Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Entertainment and Head of Television
Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Entertainment and responsible for the film business
Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN Ultimately, the board opted for a profile with deep operational experience, proven leadership, and a close alignment with Disney’s culture. As part of the new organizational structure, Dana Walden was appointed President and Chief Creative Officer of Disney, reporting directly to D’Amaro. Additionally, the new CEO was appointed to the board of directors, solidifying his strategic influence within the company. James Gorman, Chairman of Disney’s board, summarized the decision: “Josh D’Amaro possesses that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen vision for identifying strategic growth opportunities, and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people.”

The Empire Led by Disney’s New CEO

Before becoming CEO, D’Amaro was already at the helm of one of the most complex businesses in the entertainment world. As head of parks and resorts, he oversaw an operation that includes:

12 theme parks
57 hotels
More than 185,000 employees globally Among the most emblematic projects under his leadership are:
The opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in California and Florida
The comprehensive renovation of attractions at Epcot
The expansion of resort complexes in strategic markets Under his command, Disney launched a 10-year, $60 billion investment plan focused on strengthening its experiences division.