Disney Eyes Theme Park Chief as Bob Iger's Successor

Disney's Board Narrows CEO Search to Theme Park Veteran

The Walt Disney Company's board of directors is reportedly preparing to vote on Josh D'Amaro, the chairman of Disney Experiences, as the successor to legendary CEO Bob Iger. According to Bloomberg sources, the board will meet next week to consider D'Amaro's appointment, marking a pivotal moment in the entertainment giant's leadership transition.

The Frontrunner Emerges

Josh D'Amaro, 54, has emerged as the clear frontrunner in Disney's CEO succession race. As head of Disney's theme parks, resorts, and cruise lines since 2020, D'Amaro oversees the company's most profitable division. 'The Experiences segment has been Disney's financial engine, generating $2.5 billion in operating income last quarter alone,' noted industry analyst Michael Nathanson. 'D'Amaro's division accounts for roughly one-third more profit than Disney's TV, film, streaming, and sports businesses combined.'

D'Amaro's nearly three-decade tenure at Disney gives him a significant advantage. He joined the company in 1998 and has held various leadership positions, including president of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park. His deep familiarity with Disney's culture and operations contrasts with other candidates like Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, who joined through the Fox acquisition in 2019.

Financial Performance Drives Decision

The board's apparent preference for D'Amaro reflects the financial dominance of Disney's theme park business. According to recent earnings reports, Disney Experiences generated a record $9.086 billion in revenue in Q3 2025, representing an 8% year-over-year increase. Domestic parks led the growth with a 22% surge in operating income.

'The parks division has been the consistent bright spot in Disney's portfolio,' explained media consultant Sarah Johnson. 'While streaming services like Disney+ have struggled with profitability, the theme parks have delivered steady returns even during economic uncertainty.'

Challenges Ahead for Potential CEO

If appointed, D'Amaro would face significant challenges. Disney's streaming business continues to lose money despite recent price increases, and the company faces growing competition in the theme park sector from Universal's Epic Universe opening in Orlando next year. Additionally, consumer pushback against rising park prices and changing attendance patterns present ongoing concerns.

Disney's official statement maintains that 'no decision has been made regarding a new chairman, and when a decision is made, it will be announced.' The company is scheduled to release quarterly earnings later this week, which may provide additional context for the succession decision.

Succession Timeline and Legacy

Bob Iger's contract runs through December 31, 2026, with the board expected to announce his successor in early 2026. Iger, 74, returned to the CEO role in 2022 after Bob Chapek's brief and tumultuous tenure. The extended timeline allows for a smoother transition, according to board chairman James Gorman, former Morgan Stanley CEO.

'This succession has been years in the making,' noted corporate governance expert David Larcker. 'Disney learned from the Chapek experience that rushing a CEO transition can be disastrous. They're taking their time to get this right.'

D'Amaro is currently overseeing Disney's most ambitious expansion plans in decades, including new lands at Disneyland Paris, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, plus a new park in Abu Dhabi. His $60 billion expansion of resorts and cruise fleet represents the company's largest capital investment program ever.