Disney has officially named Josh D’Amaro as its next Chief Executive Officer. The decision ends months of speculation around one of the most closely watched leadership transitions in modern media history. He will assume the role on March 18, 2026. Bob Iger will remain on Disney’s board and serve as senior advisor through the end of the year.
For Disney fans, this announcement stands out because D’Amaro’s leadership ties directly to Disney Parks, guest experience, and immersive storytelling.
A Long-Awaited Succession Decision
This marks the second time in six years that Disney has selected a successor for Bob Iger. The first transition, to Bob Chapek in 2020, ultimately led to Iger’s return in late 2022.
Since then, however, Disney’s board has taken a more deliberate approach and vetted multiple internal candidates. In recent months, speculation narrowed to Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden. Ultimately, the board selected D’Amaro because his division has delivered Disney’s most consistent growth.
Why Josh D’Amaro Was Chosen
D’Amaro steps into the CEO role from a position of strength.
As Chairman of Disney Experiences since 2020, he has overseen Disney’s theme parks, resorts, cruise line, vacation clubs, consumer products, and Walt Disney Imagineering worldwide. During that time, the Experiences division became Disney’s largest business segment. It generated more than $36 billion in annual revenue in fiscal 2025. Moreover, it maintained strong guest satisfaction.
Disney leadership has pointed to D’Amaro’s ability to pair creative vision with operational discipline as a key reason for the decision.
The Parks Legacy Fans Already Know
If you have visited a Disney park in the past decade, then you have likely experienced projects shaped under D’Amaro’s leadership.
His tenure includes major, story-driven expansions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and World of Frozen. These projects emphasized immersion, emotional storytelling, and long-term franchise growth.
Looking ahead, projects already announced include a Monsters, Inc.–themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a new Avatar destination at Disneyland. In addition, Disney has confirmed Cars- and Villains-inspired expansions at Magic Kingdom. The company also announced a new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi.
Dana Walden’s New Creative Role
As part of the transition, Disney also announced a significant creative leadership change.
Dana Walden has been named President and Chief Creative Officer, a newly created role that places storytelling at the center of Disney’s future strategy. Reporting directly to D’Amaro, Walden will focus on creative alignment across film, television, streaming, and media.
The pairing signals that Disney intends to move forward with operations and creativity working hand in hand.
What This Means for Disney Fans
D’Amaro built his career inside Disney Parks and Resorts and is widely known for engaging directly with Cast Members and fans. That background has fueled optimism that guest experience and storytelling will remain central as Disney moves forward.
At the same time, however, challenges remain. Traditional television continues to decline, streaming profitability must be sustained, and ESPN’s long-term direction remains a critical focus for the company.
Following in Bob Iger’s Footsteps
Bob Iger leaves behind a transformed company.
Across two tenures totaling nearly 20 years, Iger oversaw major acquisitions and launched Disney+. He also guided the company through the pandemic era. Additionally, he restructured its business segments and announced a $60 billion investment in theme parks.
His final act was ensuring a smoother succession process. This time, Disney believes the foundation is in place.
Sam’s Disney Diary Take
This is one of the most fan-positive CEO transitions Disney could have made.
Josh D’Amaro represents continuity and optimism. More importantly, he brings a belief that Disney’s magic begins with experiences and storytelling. While Wall Street will debate strategy and stock performance, fans will be watching how this new era feels in the parks, on the ships, and across Disney’s stories.
March 18 marks the official start of Disney’s next chapter. For many fans, it feels like a chapter written with them firmly in mind.
