Josh D'Amaro: Disney's New CEO From Theme Parks to Top Job
Disney has announced a significant leadership transition, with Josh D'Amaro set to replace Bob Iger as Chief Executive Officer of the entertainment behemoth. The 54-year-old executive, a lifelong Disney enthusiast, will officially assume the role on March 18, marking the culmination of a nearly three-decade career within the company.
A Veteran Leader with Deep Company Roots
Josh D'Amaro is no stranger to the inner workings of The Walt Disney Company. Having served in a multitude of roles over the past thirty years, his most recent position was Chairman of Disney Experiences. In this capacity, since 2020, he has overseen the global operations of Disney's theme parks, cruise lines, and resort properties.
James Gorman, chairman of Disney's board of directors, expressed strong confidence in the appointment. "Josh D'Amaro possesses that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen eye for strategic growth opportunities, and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people – all of which make him the right person to take the helm as Disney's next CEO," Gorman stated on Tuesday.
From Childhood Fan to Corporate Steward
D'Amaro's connection to Disney is profoundly personal. He famously slept overnight inside Cinderella Castle at Disney World and his social media showcases his genuine affinity for the brand, featuring photos with characters and at premieres. Recalling his first visit to Disneyland at age ten, riding Peter Pan's Flight with his father, D'Amaro has spoken of a generational passing of Disney magic, a sentiment he later shared with his own children on attractions like Soarin'.
His journey within the company began in 1998 after a brief stint at Gillette. He climbed the ranks through various leadership roles in sales, marketing, and strategy before moving into senior positions within Disney Parks and Experiences. Notably, he served as vice president of Disney's Animal Kingdom during the planning of the landmark Pandora – The World of Avatar expansion.
Steering Through Challenges and Expansion
In his role leading Disney Experiences, D'Amaro managed a vast portfolio: 12 theme parks, 57 resort hotels across three continents, and a global team of 185,000 cast members. He has been guiding a monumental $60 billion investment plan for new cruise ships, resorts, themed lands, and technological innovations.
His tenure also included navigating significant challenges, including the closure of parks during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent workforce reductions. During that period, he oversaw major park enhancements, such as the addition of the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland and Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea.
A New Chapter for Disney Leadership
The promotion comes after a period of instability following Bob Iger's initial departure. Iger returned as CEO in 2022 after a tumultuous period under successor Bob Chapek. D'Amaro, who replaced Chapek as head of Disney Experiences in 2020, now steps into the top role with the board's expressed confidence.
"We won't have the same drama we had last time, that I can assure you," Gorman remarked in a recent interview, signalling hopes for a stable new chapter. While D'Amaro has faced missteps, such as a controversial 2021 proposal to relocate Imagineers to Florida that was later reversed, his deep operational experience and brand passion are seen as key assets.
Beyond Disney, D'Amaro serves on the national board of directors for Make-A-Wish America. Details of his personal life remain private, though public records show he was registered as an independent voter in Florida in 2016. His approach to working with future political administrations, following past clashes between Disney and figures like former President Trump and Governor DeSantis, will be closely watched as he takes the reins of one of the world's most iconic entertainment companies.
