Disney Appoints Josh D’Amaro as CEO, Names Dana Walden Chief Creative Officer
Disney appointed parks chief Josh D’Amaro as CEO effective March 18, 2026, tasking him with leading its $90 billion-revenue business and 185,000 employees during soft foreign attendance at its theme parks. The board also promoted Dana Walden to president and chief creative officer to bolster Disney’s entertainment divisions.
1. Leadership Transition
Disney named Josh D’Amaro chief executive officer effective March 18, 2026, succeeding Bob Iger after his 2022 return and cost-cutting restructuring. The board formed a succession planning committee in 2023 to identify and vet internal candidates for this leadership change.
2. D’Amaro’s Background and Mandate
Since joining in 1998, D’Amaro has overseen parks, cruises and resort operations, managing dozens of hotels and key licensing deals, including the Epic Games partnership. He now leads a $90 billion annual-revenue company with 185,000 employees at a time when foreign attendance at parks remains subdued.
3. Executive Team Changes
Effective March 18, Disney elevated Dana Walden from co-chairman of Disney’s entertainment division to president and chief creative officer, charging her with shaping content strategy across film, TV and streaming. This move aims to align creative leadership with the incoming CEO’s operational focus.