Mumbai: The Board of Directors of The Walt Disney Company has unanimously elected Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 18, 2026, at the company’s Annual Meeting. D’Amaro will succeed longtime CEO Robert A. Iger, who will transition to Senior Advisor and remain on the Disney Board until his retirement on December 31, 2026. The Board also plans to appoint D’Amaro as a director following the meeting.
D’Amaro currently leads Disney’s largest business segment, Disney Experiences, which generated $36 billion in revenue in FY2025 and employs nearly 185,000 Cast Members and employees globally. A 28-year Disney veteran, he has overseen the largest global expansion in the segment’s history, driving strong financial performance, creative growth, and improved guest satisfaction.
“Josh D’Amaro possesses a rare combination of inspiring leadership, innovation, and deep passion for the Disney brand,” said James Gorman, Chairman of the Disney Board. “He has demonstrated a compelling vision for Disney’s future and a strong ability to combine storytelling with cutting-edge technology to create long-term value for consumers and shareholders.”
Iger said D’Amaro brings an “instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand” and a proven ability to balance creativity with operational excellence. “He is the right person to lead Disney into its next chapter,” Iger added.
In a concurrent leadership move, Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been named President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company, also effective March 18. In this newly created role, Walden will report directly to D’Amaro and oversee storytelling and creative expression across all Disney platforms, aligning creative vision with enterprise-wide business goals.
“Creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, and Dana is exceptionally well prepared to lead in this historic role,” Iger said.
Since returning as CEO in 2022, Iger has led a strategic transformation of Disney, restructuring the organization, restoring financial discipline, and setting four priorities: strengthening film studios, achieving sustained streaming profitability, positioning ESPN as a leading digital sports destination, and accelerating growth in Disney Experiences.
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with leading this company,” D’Amaro said. “Disney’s strength lies in its people and its creative excellence. I look forward to building on this extraordinary legacy while continuing to innovate and grow.”
The Board credited Iger with stabilizing the company during a period of industry disruption and strengthening Disney’s leadership bench, marking the end of an era defined by growth, creativity, and innovation.
