Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro will officially succeed Bob Iger to become The Walt Disney Company's next Chief Executive Officer on March 18, 2026.
The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors and its chairman, James Gorman, shared the news, saying D'Amaro will step into this new role at the upcoming Annual Meeting on March 18. D'Amaro will also be appointed as a director of the board immediately following the meeting.
“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” said Robert A. Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects. His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary and I am thrilled for Josh and the company.”
D'Amaro, who has been with the company for 28 years, is the "architect of the largest expansion in Disney Experiences' history, and has led the segment to new heights financially, creatively, and in guest satisfaction." As Disney Experiences Chairman, he oversaw 185,000 cast members and the largest business segment at The Walt Disney Company with annual revenue of $36 billion in FY2025.
D'Amaro has served as Chairman of the Disney Experiences segment since 2020, and he previously held the roles of President of Disneyland Resort and President of Walt Disney World Resort. He was also a key figure in the development of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Avengers Campus, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, and World of Frozen.
He was also spearheading such future projects as the Monsters Inc.-themed land at Hollywood Studios, the new Avatar destination at Disneyland, Magic Kingdom's Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park area and the upcoming Villains-themed land.
“I am immensely grateful to the Board for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world,” said Josh D’Amaro. “Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences. There is no limit to what Disney can achieve, and I am excited to work with our teams across the company and brilliant creative partners to honor Disney’s remarkable legacy while continuing to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders. I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Iger for his generous mentorship, his friendship, and the profound impact of his leadership.”
