Disney Names Theme Park Chief Josh D'Amaro as New CEO

Disney's Leadership Transition: From Theme Parks to Corporate Throne

The Walt Disney Company has made a decisive move in its leadership succession, appointing Josh D'Amaro, the current chairman of Disney Experiences, as its next Chief Executive Officer. The 54-year-old executive will take over from legendary CEO Bob Iger on March 18, 2026, marking a significant transition for the entertainment giant.

A Proven Performer Takes the Helm

D'Amaro's appointment comes after an extensive search process that considered over 100 candidates, with the final decision coming down to him and Dana Walden, who has been named President and Chief Creative Officer. 'Josh has demonstrated a strong vision for the future of the company and possesses a deep understanding of the creative spirit that makes Disney unique,' said James Gorman, chairman of Disney's succession committee and CEO of Morgan Stanley.

The new CEO has been with Disney since 1998, rising through the ranks with a focus on the company's most profitable division. Under his leadership, Disney Experiences—which includes theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, and consumer products—generated nearly $10 billion in profit last year, accounting for approximately 60% of Disney's total earnings according to CNBC reports.

Learning from Past Mistakes

This leadership transition follows a failed succession attempt four years ago when Iger handed the reins to Bob Chapek in 2020. Chapek's tenure lasted just two years before he departed amid internal tensions and disappointing financial results, prompting Iger's return in 2022. 'Chapek was seen by critics as rigid and too focused on the business side of the company, with too little attention to creativity,' noted industry analysts.

To avoid repeating this mistake, Disney established a formal succession committee led by Gorman. Iger agreed to remain through 2026 to ensure a smooth transition and proper onboarding of his successor.

Compensation and Corporate Strategy

D'Amaro's compensation package reflects the significance of his new role. He will receive a $2.5 million annual base salary with potential bonuses reaching up to $22 million, plus a one-time $9.75 million promotion bonus and $26.25 million in annual long-term stock incentives, according to Deadline and New York Post reports.

Dana Walden, who oversees all films, series, and content, will receive a $3.75 million base salary with a $5.26 million one-time award and $15.75 million in annual stock grants. Her appointment as Chief Creative Officer ensures continuity in Disney's content strategy.

Financial Context and Future Challenges

The leadership change comes as Disney reports mixed financial results. While the company saw 5% revenue growth to $26 billion in Q1 2026, operating income declined 9% to $4.6 billion according to Disney's investor relations. The Experiences segment, D'Amaro's current domain, delivered record $10 billion revenue with $3.3 billion operating income.

D'Amaro faces several challenges including navigating the evolving streaming landscape, addressing competition from Universal's new 'Epic Universe' theme park, and maintaining Disney's creative edge while ensuring financial discipline. His background in both operations and finance positions him uniquely to address these challenges.

As D'Amaro prepares to take the helm, industry watchers will be monitoring how he balances the creative legacy established by Iger with the operational excellence he demonstrated in the parks division. The transition represents both continuity and change for the 101-year-old entertainment empire.