Josh D’Amaro, a native of Medfield, Massachusetts, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Walt Disney Company, succeeding Bob Iger. This announcement came on Tuesday, signaling a significant leadership change at one of the world’s most iconic entertainment firms.
Currently, D’Amaro holds the position of parks chief, overseeing Disney’s extensive theme parks, resort hotels, and cruise ships. As he prepares to take on the role of CEO on March 18, 2026, he steps into a daunting position leading a company with an annual revenue of $36 billion and a global workforce of 185,000 employees.
D’Amaro, a Georgetown University graduate with a degree in business administration, has amassed a wealth of experience at Disney since joining in 1998. Over the years, he has taken on diverse roles spanning finance, business strategy, marketing, creative development, and operations, showcasing a versatile skill set.
Gregory Stoller, a business professor at Boston University, highlighted some of the challenges D’Amaro will face as CEO, including the implications of artificial intelligence in creative fields, fluctuating tourism patterns to the United States, media and streaming issues, and ongoing labor negotiations within the entertainment industry regarding intellectual property and profitability concerns.
Bob Iger praised D’Amaro in a statement, noting his “instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand” and deep understanding of audience expectations, suggesting a bright future under D’Amaro’s leadership.
The planning process for Iger’s successor began in 2023 when Disney formed a succession committee, allowing for a systematic approach to this high-stakes transition. The leadership change marks a pivotal moment for Disney as it navigates evolving industry dynamics and aims to maintain its strong legacy in entertainment.