Key Takeaways
- Josh D'Amaro, previously Chairman of Disney Experiences, has been named the next Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company (DIS), effective March 18, 2026.
- Current CEO Bob Iger will transition to a Senior Advisor and Board Member role, continuing until his retirement from the company on December 31, 2026.
- Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been promoted to the newly created position of President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company, also effective March 18, 2026.
- D'Amaro, a 28-year veteran of Disney, will also be appointed as a director on the company's Board immediately following the annual meeting.
- This leadership restructuring, approved by a unanimous board vote, aims to solidify Disney's strategic direction and foster long-term growth.
The Walt Disney Company (DIS) today announced a significant leadership transition, naming Josh D'Amaro as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective March 18, 2026. D'Amaro, currently the Chairman of Disney Experiences, will succeed Bob Iger, who will transition into a Senior Advisor role and remain a member of the Disney Board until his retirement on December 31, 2026. This move follows a unanimous vote by the company's Board of Directors.
Concurrent with D'Amaro's appointment, Dana Walden, who has served as Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, will assume the newly created role of President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company, also effective March 18, 2026. In this pivotal new position, Walden will report directly to D'Amaro and will be responsible for ensuring that storytelling and creative expression across all audience touchpoints align with the brand and drive business objectives.
D'Amaro brings extensive experience to the CEO role, having been with Disney for 28 years. As Chairman of Disney Experiences, he has overseen the company's largest business segment, which generated $36 billion in annual revenue in FY2025 and employs 185,000 Cast Members worldwide. His tenure in this role has been marked by leading significant global expansions and achieving strong financial and creative performance within the parks and experiences division. D'Amaro will also join the Board of Directors immediately following the annual meeting.
James Gorman, Chairman of The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors, lauded D'Amaro, stating he "possesses that 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." Iger also expressed confidence in D'Amaro, calling him "an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO," highlighting his instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand and his ability to combine creativity with operational excellence.
Iger's transition marks a planned succession, as he returned to the CEO role in November 2022 after a previous departure in 2020. His continued presence as a Senior Advisor and Board Member through the end of 2026 will provide continuity during this critical leadership handover. This strategic shift aims to position Disney for continued innovation and growth in the evolving entertainment landscape.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.