Josh D’Amaro, the longtime Disney executive who runs the company’s global theme parks and experiences business, has been tapped as the next chief executive of The Walt Disney Company, ending Bob Iger’s long and closely watched succession saga at the entertainment giant, the company announced.
Disney’s board unanimously voted to elevate D’Amaro, 54, the chairman of Disney Experiences, to CEO effective March 18, 2026, when he will formally succeed Iger at the company’s annual meeting, the company said in a statement.
At the same time, Dana Walden, the co-chair of Disney Entertainment, will take on a newly created role as president and chief creative officer, reporting directly to D’Amaro and overseeing storytelling and creative strategy across the company.
Iger, who returned to the CEO role in 2022 after his handpicked successor Bob Chapek was ousted, will remain on Disney’s board and serve as a senior adviser until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2026, the company said.
