The Walt Disney Co. board of directors announced that it has unanimously elected Josh D’Amaro as chief executive officer, effective March 18, 2026, at the company’s annual meeting. D’Amaro will succeed longtime CEO Robert A. Iger. The board also plans to appoint D’Amaro to the board of directors immediately following the meeting.
D’Amaro is chairman of Disney Experiences, the company’s largest business segment, which generated $36 billion in revenue in fiscal 2025 and employs about 185,000 cast members and employees worldwide. A 28-year Disney veteran, D’Amaro has overseen the largest global expansion in the history of Disney Experiences and led the segment to record financial results, creative growth and gains in guest satisfaction.
“Josh D’Amaro possesses a 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,” said James Gorman, chairman of the Disney board. “Throughout this search process, Josh demonstrated a strong vision for the company’s future and a deep understanding of the creative spirit that makes Disney unique. The board believes he is exceptionally well prepared to guide this global company forward and create long-term value for shareholders.”
Iger praised D’Amaro’s leadership and creative instincts.
“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” Iger said. “He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects.”
Effective March 18, Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, will become president and chief creative officer of The Walt Disney Co., a newly created role. Walden will report directly to D’Amaro.
As co-chair, Walden has led Disney’s global entertainment media, news and content businesses, including the company’s streaming platforms. In her new role, she will oversee storytelling and creative expression across the enterprise, ensuring alignment with the Disney brand while advancing core business objectives and enterprise-wide initiatives.
“Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community,” Iger said. “Creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, and she is exceptionally well prepared to serve in this role.”
Iger will continue to serve as a senior adviser and a member of the Disney board through Dec. 31, 2026. He has provided mentorship to internal candidates throughout the succession planning process.
During nearly two decades leading the company, Iger guided Disney to significant creative and financial growth. Since returning as CEO in 2022, he has led a strategic transformation focused on strengthening film studios, achieving sustained streaming profitability, positioning ESPN as a leading digital sports destination and accelerating growth in Disney Experiences. The company said D’Amaro will assume leadership of Disney in a stronger and more resilient position than it was three years ago.
“I am deeply grateful to the board for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead a company that means so much to me and to millions of people around the world,” said Josh D’Amaro, incoming CEO of The Walt Disney Co. “Disney’s strength has always come from its people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences. I am excited to work with our teams across the company and our creative partners to honor Disney’s legacy while continuing to innovate, grow and deliver value for our consumers and shareholders. I am also grateful to Bob Iger for his mentorship, friendship and the lasting impact of his leadership.”
Gorman thanked Iger for his leadership and service to the company.
“On behalf of the entire board, we extend our deepest gratitude to Bob Iger for his extraordinary leadership and dedication to The Walt Disney Co.,” Gorman said. “The board asked Bob to return as CEO in 2022 to guide the company through a challenging transition and to help develop future leadership. He delivered on both priorities while leading Disney through a transformative period that strengthened its position as the world’s premier entertainment company. After nearly two decades at the helm, the Iger era has been defined by significant growth, a commitment to creative excellence and innovation, and strong stewardship of this iconic institution.”
