BREAKING: Josh D'Amaro Named Disney CEO, Dana Walden to Become President and Chief Creative Officer

The Walt Disney Company has officially named Josh D’Amaro as its next Chief Executive Officer.

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Disney’s Board of Directors announced today that they have unanimously elected D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as CEO, effective March 18, 2026. The announcement caps a closely watched succession process that has been underway for years.

“Josh D’Amaro 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 – all of which make him the right person to take the helm as Disney’s next CEO,” said James Gorman, Chairman of The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors.

D’Amaro, 54, has served as Chairman of Disney Experiences since 2020, overseeing the company’s theme parks, cruise line, and consumer products divisions. The segment generated $36 billion in annual revenue in FY2025. A 28-year Disney veteran who joined the company at Disneyland Resort in 1998, he’s been instrumental in the company’s largest-ever expansion of its theme parks.

Dana Walden Named President and Chief Creative Officer

In a historic first for the company, Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been named President and Chief Creative Officer – a newly created position that will report directly to D’Amaro.

“Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community,” said Iger. “Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, she is a wonderful choice to serve in this new leadership role.”

Iger to Remain Through Year-End

Bob Iger will continue as Senior Advisor and board member until his retirement on December 31, 2026. His tenure has spanned nearly two decades of leading Disney, including his return in 2022 to guide the company through industry disruption.

“I am immensely grateful to the Board for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world,” D’Amaro said in a statement. “Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences.”

Under D’Amaro’s leadership of Disney Experiences, the company has launched Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, and World of Frozen. Upcoming projects include a Monsters, Inc.-themed land at Hollywood Studios, a new Avatar destination at Disneyland, and the largest-ever expansion of Magic Kingdom with lands inspired by Cars and Disney Villains.