The Walt Disney Company has appointed Josh D’Amaro as its next CEO, marking a major leadership transition as Robert Iger steps aside, while elevating Dana Walden to a new top creative role aimed at strengthening Disney’s storytelling across its global business.
Disney CEO Succession: Josh D’Amaro Takes the Helm
The Walt Disney Company is handing the reins to a new generation of leadership. The Board of Directors has unanimously elected Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective March 18, 2026, at the upcoming Annual Meeting. He will succeed longtime CEO Robert A. Iger, with the Board set to appoint D’Amaro as a director immediately following the meeting.
D’Amaro, a 28-year Disney veteran, currently leads the company’s largest business segment, which generated $36 billion in revenue in FY2025 and employs 185,000 cast members and employees worldwide. Under his leadership, Disney Experiences has undergone its most ambitious global expansion to date, delivering stronger financial performance, creative innovation, and higher guest satisfaction across parks, resorts, and experiences.
Board Chairman James Gorman praised the decision, calling D’Amaro “the right person to take the helm” as Disney navigates a rapidly changing entertainment landscape. He highlighted D’Amaro’s strategic vision, leadership skills, and ability to blend storytelling with cutting-edge technology in Disney’s parks and experiences.
Robert Iger, who has led Disney for nearly two decades, also voiced strong support for his successor. “Josh has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand and what resonates with audiences,” Iger said, adding that D’Amaro’s balance of creativity and operational excellence makes him well suited for the role.
In a significant parallel move, Dana Walden, currently Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been appointed President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company — a newly created role and a first for the enterprise. Effective March 18, she will report directly to D’Amaro and oversee creative strategy across Disney’s global entertainment, media, and streaming businesses, ensuring consistent storytelling and brand alignment.
Iger described Walden as a leader with deep respect across the creative community, noting that her experience across Disney’s diverse businesses makes her an ideal fit for the role.
As part of the transition, Iger will remain with Disney as Senior Advisor and a Board member until his planned retirement on December 31, 2026. Since returning as CEO in 2022, he has led a major restructuring of the company, strengthened its film studios, improved streaming profitability, advanced ESPN’s digital strategy, and accelerated growth in Disney Experiences — positioning the company for long-term success under D’Amaro’s leadership.
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