Disney has announced a significant leadership change, with Josh D'Amaro appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the entertainment behemoth. The 54-year-old executive will officially take the reins from outgoing CEO Bob Iger on March 18, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for the House of Mouse.
A Three-Decade Disney Journey Culminates
Josh D'Amaro is no stranger to the inner workings of The Walt Disney Company, having dedicated nearly thirty years to the organisation in a variety of increasingly senior roles. His promotion represents the culmination of a steady and impressive ascent through the ranks of one of the world's most iconic brands.
Most recently, D'Amaro served as Chairman of Disney Experiences, a position he has held since 2020. In this capacity, he oversaw the vast global portfolio of Disney's theme parks, cruise lines, and resort hotels, managing a colossal operation that includes 12 theme parks and 57 resort hotels across six international destinations.
Leadership Endorsement and Strategic Vision
Announcing the appointment, James Gorman, Chairman of Disney's Board of Directors, expressed strong confidence in D'Amaro's capabilities. "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.
This endorsement follows a period of corporate turbulence, including the brief and challenging tenure of former CEO Bob Chapek. Iger's return in 2022 stabilised the company, and D'Amaro's appointment is seen as a move towards continuity and experienced leadership.
From Finance to Fantasy: D'Amaro's Career Path
D'Amaro's professional journey began outside the magic kingdom. A graduate of Georgetown University with a business administration degree, he initially worked in the finance department at Gillette in Boston. His Disney career commenced in 1998 with a strategy role, and he quickly demonstrated his value.
His early years at Disney involved various leadership positions in sales, marketing, and business planning. A significant shift occurred as he moved into the Parks and Experiences division, holding key roles such as:
- Vice President of Adventures by Disney (2010)
- Vice President of Disney's Animal Kingdom during the planning of the major Pandora – The World of Avatar expansion
- Senior Vice President of Resort & Transportation Operations at Walt Disney World Resort
- President of both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort
Steering Through Challenges and Investment
As Chairman of Disney Experiences, D'Amaro navigated immense challenges, including the global closure of parks during the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficult decision to cut 28,000 employees. However, he also used that period to oversee significant park enhancements, such as the addition of the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea's Fantasy Springs.
He has been guiding a monumental, multi-year $60 billion investment plan for Disney Experiences. This ambitious strategy encompasses new cruise ships, resorts, themed lands, attractions, and cutting-edge technologies designed to captivate future generations.
A Personal Connection to the Disney Magic
Beyond his corporate resume, D'Amaro is renowned for his genuine, lifelong fandom of Disney. He is a self-professed devotee of the company's family entertainment, with personal anecdotes that underscore his deep connection to the brand's heritage.
In interviews, he has fondly recalled his first visit to Disneyland at age ten, riding Peter Pan's Flight with his father. As a parent, he later created similar magical memories, taking his own children on experiences like Soarin' Around the World at EPCOT. "Like so many families, we pass our love for Disney from one generation to the next," he has said.
His passion is further evidenced by spending a night inside Cinderella Castle at Disney World and his personal Instagram feed, which features numerous photos with beloved Disney characters.
Looking Ahead: The CEO's Burden and Promise
D'Amaro has acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with leading Disney. In a 2020 interview with The Orlando Business Journal, shortly after becoming president of Walt Disney World, he reflected on Walt Disney's legacy. "As much as I feel honored, it's also a burden," he admitted. "I couldn't believe I was in the role to carry it on. I think about that all the time."
His vision focuses on respectful investment and creating unforgettable experiences. "We could spend billions on a new attraction, but you need to be putting that money back into the common areas or the break rooms... To me, it's a sign of respect," he explained. His goal is to ensure the next generation is left in awe, saying, "I can't believe that experience."
While details of his private life, including his wife and children, remain out of the public eye, records indicate he was registered as an independent voter in Florida in 2016. His approach to potential future political engagements, particularly following Iger's clashes with the Trump administration, will be closely watched.
Despite past missteps, such as a controversial 2021 proposal to relocate Imagineers to Florida that was later reversed by Iger, D'Amaro has evidently retained the confidence of Disney's board. As James Gorman assured in a CNBC interview, "We won't have the same drama we had last time, that I can assure you." The Disney legacy now passes to a leader shaped by three decades within its own enchanted walls.
