Josh D'Amaro Appointed as New Disney CEO, Replacing Bob Iger Starting March 18
JAKARTA - The Board of Directors of The Walt Disney Company officially appointed Disney Experiences Chairman, Josh D'Amaro, as the company's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), replacing Robert A. Iger, effective March 18.
Disney said the decision was made by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors. D'Amaro is also planned to join immediately as a board member after the annual meeting.
D'Amaro himself joined the first Disneyland Resort in 1998, and served as President of Walt Disney World Resort. Then, he also served as Chairman of the Disney Experiences segment since 2020.
As head of Disney Experiences since 2020, D'Amaro leads Disney's largest business segment, which recorded annual revenue of 36 billion US dollars in fiscal year 2025, with a total of 185,000 employees and Cast Members worldwide.
"Josh D'Amaro has a rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen eye for strategic growth opportunities, and a deep love for the Disney brand and its people," said James Gorman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Walt Disney Company in an official announcement.
Along with the appointment of D'Amaro, Disney also appointed Dana Walden, who was previously Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, as President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company.
As Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, Walden has led Disney's world-renowned and award-winning entertainment, news, and content media businesses, including the Disney streaming business.
In his new role, Walden will report directly to D'Amaro and ensure consistency of Disney's creativity and storytelling across all business lines, from films, streaming, to theme park experiences.
"Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, he is the right choice to serve in this new leadership role," said The Walt Disney CEO Robert A. Iger.
After the leadership transition, precisely March 18, 2026, Bob Iger will remain as a Senior Advisor and member of the Disney Board of Directors until he officially retires on December 31, 2026.
Iger previously returned to the CEO position in 2022 to lead the company's strategic transformation amid disruption in the global entertainment industry.
He set four main priorities, including improving the quality of film studios, streaming profitability, ESPN transformation, and accelerating the growth of Disney Experiences.