Josh D'Amaro, current Chairman of Disney Experiences, will take over as CEO of The Walt Disney Company on March 18, 2026. This announcement follows a unanimous vote by the company's board on February 2. Outgoing CEO Bob Iger recently spent a morning at Disneyland with D'Amaro, marking the transition.
Key Takeaways
- Josh D'Amaro will become Disney CEO on March 18, 2026.
- The appointment was a unanimous board decision.
- D'Amaro has a long history with Disney, starting in 1998.
- He currently oversees Disney's global theme parks and resorts.
A Morning at Disneyland with Leadership
Bob Iger, the current CEO, shared images from his recent visit to Disneyland with Josh D'Amaro. The two leaders posed in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Partner Statue. Iger expressed his enthusiasm for D'Amaro's appointment, stating it was a fitting way to celebrate the news.
Following the photo opportunities, Iger and D'Amaro walked through Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. They were accompanied by an entourage of Cast Members, Disney employees who interact directly with guests.
Quick Fact
Josh D'Amaro will officially become CEO during Disney's Annual Meeting on March 18, 2026. The Board plans to appoint him as a director immediately after this meeting.
D'Amaro's Extensive Disney Career
Josh D'Amaro brings a deep understanding of The Walt Disney Company to his new role. He joined Disney in 1998, beginning his career in the finance department. Before Disney, he worked at the Gillette Company.
His early roles at Disney included Vice President of Sales and Travel Trade Marketing until 2008. He also served as Director of Business Planning and Strategy Development from 2005 to 2006. In 2008, he became Chief Financial Officer of Disney Consumer Products Licensing.
Rise Through the Ranks
D'Amaro's career path shows a steady progression through various key divisions. In 2010, he was promoted to Vice President of Adventures by Disney. This role involved overseeing Disney's guided group travel experiences.
From 2013 to 2014, he served as Vice President of Disney's Animal Kingdom. During this time, he oversaw the initial construction of Pandora – The World of Avatar, a significant expansion project for the park.
He then moved into operations, becoming Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World's Resort & Transportation Operations in September 2014. He held this position until February 2017.
Background on Disney Experiences
Disney Experiences is a major segment of The Walt Disney Company. It includes all six Disney resorts globally, featuring 12 theme parks and 57 resort hotels. The division also manages Disney Cruise Line, Disney Consumer Products, Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Disney Institute, and Storyliving by Disney. It employs 185,000 cast members worldwide.
Leadership at Theme Parks and Beyond
Later in 2017, D'Amaro became Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney World. This role focused on the guest experience and creative direction within the resort.
In 2018, he moved to California to serve as President of Disneyland Park for 18 months. He then returned to Florida as President of Walt Disney World, overseeing the company's largest resort complex.
When Bob Chapek was promoted from Disney Experiences chairperson to CEO of Disney, D'Amaro took over Chapek's previous position. He has led Disney Experiences for nearly six years.
"I can't think of a better way to celebrate Josh's appointment!" Bob Iger shared on Instagram, reflecting on their morning at Disneyland.
Overseeing a Global Portfolio
As Chairman of Disney Experiences, D'Amaro has managed a vast global portfolio. This includes the existing theme parks and resorts, plus future developments like Disneyland Abu Dhabi. He also oversees the growing Disney Cruise Line fleet, which includes eight ships with more planned.
His leadership extends to all aspects of the guest experience, from innovative attractions created by Walt Disney Imagineering to consumer products and vacation offerings.
Key Numbers
- 12 theme parks
- 57 resort hotels
- 8 cruise ships (with more planned)
- 185,000 cast members worldwide
The Succession Process
D'Amaro has long been considered a frontrunner for the CEO position. Other candidates reportedly included Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden, fellow co-chair Alan Bergman, and ESPN chairperson Jimmy Pitaro.
Dana Walden has been named the new President & Chief Creative Officer following the board's unanimous vote on February 2.
This transition marks a significant moment for The Walt Disney Company, as D'Amaro prepares to take the helm of one of the world's largest entertainment conglomerates.
