After years of leadership turbulence and a botched succession plan, The Walt Disney Company has announced that Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, will become its next Chief Executive Officer on March 18, 2026. He will succeed Bob Iger, who returned to the helm in 2022 after his original successor, Bob Chapek, was ousted amid internal strife and public criticism.
D’Amaro’s elevation caps a multi-year search to find a stable and visionary leader for the entertainment titan. Unlike Chapek, whose tenure was marred by strategic missteps and a decline in morale, D’Amaro is a Disney veteran with deep operational experience. He currently oversees the company’s parks, cruises, and resort businesses—widely considered Disney’s most profitable and resilient division.
A Deliberate Choice After a Tumultuous Past
Industry analysts and investors have widely praised the appointment as a course correction. D’Amaro is seen as a trusted insider who has helped restore the post-pandemic vibrancy of Disney’s parks and experiences. The company’s board appeared determined to avoid a repeat of the Chapek era, making this selection with greater deliberation and transparency.
Media outlets from ABC News to CNN and The Boston Globe covered the announcement, emphasizing D’Amaro’s operational track record and positive rapport with both employees and guests.
Iger’s Exit, But Not Without a Legacy
Iger’s second departure from Disney marks the end of an era. During his two stints as CEO, he oversaw transformative acquisitions (Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 21st Century Fox) and the launch of Disney+, reshaping the company into a digital-first media empire. He also leaves behind a flurry of strategic bets:
- A $1 billion partnership with OpenAI to integrate generative AI into storytelling platforms
- Announced plans to build Disneyland Abu Dhabi—Disney’s first park in the Middle East
- Continued investments in China amid geopolitical tensions
While Iger called OpenAI “the most advanced AI/media platform,” not all reactions have been favorable. Disney animators, including Dana Terrace, voiced alarm over AI-generated content, fearing creative displacement.
Stock Pressure and the Road Ahead
Despite Iger’s high-profile return, Disney’s stock has underperformed, with analysts citing concerns about streaming profitability and the company’s long-term direction. D’Amaro now faces the dual challenge of rejuvenating investor confidence while navigating the company through the next frontier of content creation and international growth.
His reported compensation package of up to $45 million signals the board’s high expectations. According to Fortune, his appointment also represents a “clean break” from Iger’s shadow—a vital step in restoring stability to the company’s executive ranks.
A New Chapter Begins
From Disneyland tour guide to the CEO suite, Josh D’Amaro’s journey has been quintessentially Disney. As he prepares to take the reins, fans, shareholders, and employees alike are watching closely to see whether this succession story, unlike the last, delivers a happily-ever-after.
