Summary (tl;dr)

Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, has been officially named the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company, succeeding current CEO Bob Iger, effective March 18, 2026.

Essential Background

Bob Iger, a highly influential figure, initially served as Disney's CEO from 2005 to 2020, overseeing major acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. His hand-picked successor, Bob Chapek, had a turbulent and brief tenure from 2020 to 2022, leading to Iger's unexpected return as CEO in November 2022 at the board's request to stabilize the company. Since his return, Iger's contract was extended until the end of 2026 to ensure a smooth succession process, and a dedicated succession planning committee was formed.

The Full Story

On February 3, 2026, The Walt Disney Company announced that Josh D'Amaro, the current Chairman of Disney Experiences, will become the company's next Chief Executive Officer. The decision was a unanimous vote by Disney's Board of Directors and will see D'Amaro take the helm from Bob Iger on March 18, 2026, at the company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders. D'Amaro, a 54-year-old veteran with 28 years at Disney, has been praised by Iger and the Board for his leadership, deep understanding of the Disney brand, and success in leading the parks and resorts division, which generated $36 billion in annual revenue in fiscal year 2025. Concurrently, Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer, a new enterprise-wide role where she will report directly to D'Amaro.

Why It Matters

This leadership transition is highly significant for Disney, marking the end of Bob Iger's second tenure as CEO and aiming to bring long-term stability after a period of uncertainty. D'Amaro's appointment signals a strategic focus on operational excellence and brand-led experiences, particularly given his strong track record with the highly profitable Disney Experiences division. The move is expected to be closely watched by investors and analysts as D'Amaro navigates challenges facing the entertainment industry, including evolving streaming landscapes, labor pressures, and the emergence of artificial intelligence, while balancing the capital-intensive parks business with growth in other sectors. The orderly succession process this time around is a deliberate effort to avoid the "drama" of previous transitions and ensure continuity for the over 100-year-old company.

Geographic Location

• Burbank, Los Angeles County, California, United States (The Walt Disney Company headquarters, location of announcement)