Burbank, California, February 4, 2026
The Walt Disney Company has appointed Josh D’Amaro as the new CEO, effective March 18, 2026, succeeding Bob Iger. With extensive experience in various divisions, D’Amaro is set to guide Disney through current challenges, including a decline in international visitors to U.S. parks. Alongside D’Amaro, Dana Walden has been appointed President and Chief Creative Officer, emphasizing a renewed focus on creative direction. This leadership transition marks a significant moment for Disney as it aims to drive growth and innovation in an evolving entertainment landscape.
Walt Disney Appoints New CEO as It Navigates a Changing Landscape
Leadership Transition Signal a New Era for Disney
BURBANK, California — The Walt Disney Company has announced the appointment of Josh D’Amaro as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 18, 2026. Taking over from Bob Iger, who has led the company for over two decades, D’Amaro’s promotion comes at a time when the entertainment giant is seeking to navigate new challenges while driving growth.
D’Amaro, who joined Disney in 1998, has demonstrated a deep commitment and extensive experience across various divisions. His tenure includes significant roles in finance, marketing, and operations, culminating in his current position as Chairman of Disney Experiences since 2020. Under D’Amaro’s leadership, this division alone contributed a remarkable $36 billion in revenue in fiscal 2025, employing around 185,000 people worldwide. This solid performance underscores his capability to lead the company on a broader scale.
Strategic Appointments to Support Innovation
In conjunction with D’Amaro’s promotion, Dana Walden has been appointed as President and Chief Creative Officer. Her direct reporting to D’Amaro signals a renewed focus on creative direction across all platforms, aiming to further enhance the storytelling legacy that Disney is known for.
Current Performance and Industry Challenges
While Disney’s Experiences division remains a strong performer, the company faces challenges such as a decline in international visitors to U.S. parks, attributed to geopolitical and immigration concerns. D’Amaro will need to leverage Disney’s vast intellectual property portfolio effectively to foster growth across film, parks, streaming, and sports, ensuring that the company can meet the evolving demands of consumers.
Background on Leadership Changes
Returning as CEO in 2022, Bob Iger’s leadership has been characterized by strategic acquisitions, including Pixar and Marvel, which significantly expanded Disney’s reach and content creation capabilities. His decision to appoint D’Amaro illustrates a calculated move to secure Disney’s future growth and innovation from within its ranks.
What’s Next for Disney
D’Amaro’s upcoming leadership will be pivotal for Disney as it aims to innovate while addressing operational hurdles. With a renewed focus on creative excellence and strategic growth, the executive leadership’s vision will shape the company’s trajectory in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Conclusion
As Disney embarks on this new chapter, there is an expectation that local entrepreneurs and businesses can draw inspiration from D’Amaro’s ascent, reflecting the importance of resilience and innovation in today’s economy. Support for local ventures and a community-centric approach will be essential for reinforcing the economic landscape in Detroit and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Josh D’Amaro?
Josh D’Amaro is a 54-year-old executive who has been with The Walt Disney Company since 1998. He currently serves as Chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing theme parks, cruises, and resorts.
What is the role of Dana Walden in the new leadership structure?
Dana Walden has been appointed as President and Chief Creative Officer, reporting directly to Josh D’Amaro. She will focus on the company’s creative direction across all platforms.
What challenges is Disney currently facing?
Disney is experiencing a decline in international visitors to its U.S. parks due to geopolitical and immigration issues. The company is also focusing on leveraging its intellectual property to drive growth in film, parks, streaming, and sports.
What is Bob Iger’s role after stepping down as CEO?
Bob Iger will remain as a senior advisor and board member until his retirement later in 2026, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.
What is the significance of D’Amaro’s appointment as CEO?
D’Amaro’s appointment marks a new chapter for Disney, bringing leadership from within the company to guide its future growth and innovation. His extensive experience in Disney’s Experiences division positions him to address current challenges and capitalize on opportunities across the company’s diverse portfolio.
Key Features of the Leadership Transition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New CEO | Josh D’Amaro, effective March 18, 2026 |
| Previous CEO | Bob Iger, stepping down after over two decades |
| New President and Chief Creative Officer | Dana Walden, reporting directly to D’Amaro |
| Company Performance | Experiences division generated $36 billion in revenue in fiscal 2025 |
| Challenges | Decline in international visitors to U.S. parks due to geopolitical and immigration issues |
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DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
