Disney Announces Leadership Transition: Parks Chief Josh D'Amaro to Succeed Bob Iger as CEO
In a significant corporate move, The Walt Disney Company has confirmed that Josh D'Amaro, the current chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, will take over as Chief Executive Officer from Bob Iger on March 18, 2026. This leadership change marks a pivotal moment for the entertainment conglomerate as it navigates evolving market dynamics and political pressures.
A Veteran Executive Steps Into the Top Role
D'Amaro, a 54-year-old executive with 28 years of service at Disney, will become the ninth CEO in the company's storied history spanning over a century. His appointment follows Iger's tenure of approximately 20 years, which was briefly interrupted when the board ousted successor Bob Chapek in 2022 and reinstated Iger.
The selection of D'Amaro represents a strategic choice by Disney's board, tapping the leader of the company's most consistently profitable division. Since 2020, D'Amaro has overseen Disney's theme parks, cruise lines, and resort operations worldwide. Under his leadership, the Experiences division generated an impressive $36 billion in annual revenue during fiscal 2025 and employs approximately 185,000 people globally.
Taking the Helm During a Complex Period
D'Amaro assumes the CEO position at a time of both opportunity and challenge for Disney. The company has recently enjoyed box office success with films like Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash. Additionally, Disney's streaming services—Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+—began turning profits in 2024 following strategic price adjustments, the introduction of ad-supported plans, and growing subscriber demand.
However, the new CEO faces several immediate challenges:
- Political pressures from Republican critics who target Disney for promoting what they describe as "woke" values
- Declining foreign tourism to U.S. theme parks, partly attributed to immigration policies and trade disputes
- Ongoing cultural controversies that have embroiled the company in public debates
Navigating Political and Legal Challenges
Disney's relationship with political figures has been particularly contentious in recent years. The company clashed with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022 when then-CEO Chapek opposed a controversial state bill restricting classroom instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity. DeSantis retaliated by revoking special privileges granted to Walt Disney World, though the two parties reached a settlement in 2024 after Disney filed a lawsuit.
More recently, Disney temporarily suspended late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel following his comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death. The company has also faced high-profile legal battles, including a 2021 lawsuit from actress Scarlett Johansson over the simultaneous release of Black Widow on Disney+ and in theaters, which reportedly cost her approximately $50 million in box office bonuses. Disney settled the case with undisclosed terms.
The Path Forward for Disney's New Leadership
As D'Amaro prepares to assume the CEO role, industry analysts will be watching how he balances the company's creative legacy with contemporary business realities. His extensive experience in the profitable parks division suggests a focus on operational excellence, while the broader entertainment landscape demands innovative approaches to content distribution and audience engagement.
The leadership transition comes as American media companies face increasing scrutiny from both political figures and changing consumer expectations. D'Amaro's ability to steer Disney through these complex waters while maintaining its position as an entertainment leader will be closely monitored by investors, employees, and audiences worldwide.
