Disney Names Josh D'Amaro CEO, Bob Iger To Retire Year-End
D'Amaro will become CEO on March 18, 2026, and Bob Iger will retire Dec. 31, 2026, the company said.
Overview
The Walt Disney Company appointed Josh D'Amaro as chief executive officer effective March 18, 2026, replacing Bob Iger, the company said in a statement.
The board led by Chairman James Gorman completed a succession review that highlighted D'Amaro's leadership of Disney Experiences, which generated $36 billion in revenue last year, filings show.
Bob Iger said in a company statement he was "thrilled" for D'Amaro and will remain a senior adviser and board member until retiring on Dec. 31, 2026.
Josh D'Amaro, 54, has worked at Disney for 28 years and currently oversees 12 theme parks, 57 resort hotels, five Disney Cruise Line ships and 185,000 employees, the company biography shows.
The Succession Planning Committee will continue oversight and will provide updates at Disney's annual meeting on March 18, 2026, filings show.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this as straightforward business news, focusing on facts, timeline and corporate statements rather than advocacy. They balance Iger's accomplishments (cost cuts, turnaround) with recent controversies and challenges (layoffs, attendance, Kimmel suspension), rely on company quotes and concrete figures, and avoid loaded rhetoric or partisan framing.
Sources (21)
FAQ
Josh D'Amaro, born February 10, 1971, graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in business administration. He joined Disney in 1998 at Disneyland Resort as a senior business planner after working in finance at Gillette.
D'Amaro has held positions including VP of Sales and Travel Trade Marketing, CFO of Disney Consumer Products Licensing, President of Disneyland Resort, President of Walt Disney World Resort, and Chairman of Disney Experiences since 2020, overseeing theme parks, resorts, cruises, and 185,000 employees.
The board's succession review highlighted D'Amaro's leadership of Disney Experiences, which generated $36 billion in revenue last year. His success in growing the segment, bridging studios and parks, and public profile made him the top choice.
Bob Iger will remain a senior adviser and board member until his retirement on December 31, 2026, and expressed he is 'thrilled' for D'Amaro.
Josh D'Amaro will become CEO on March 18, 2026, with the Succession Planning Committee providing updates at Disney's annual meeting on that date.
History
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