Josh D’Amaro Named New Disney CEO: What’s Next?

In a not-so-surprising announcement this morning, Josh D’Amaro was unanimously voted in as the new CEO of the Disney Corporation, replacing Bob Iger. He has been serving as the chair of Disney’s experiences unit, overseeing a global network of theme parks and hotel resorts. He takes over on March 18th, with Iger staying on as a member of the board until his retirement on December 31st.

If you are like me, you are just as interested in the running of the Disney Parks as much as the stories coming from the House of the Mouse. The announcement of D’Amaro wasn’t as much of a surprise as some may think. He has been the handpicked successor since the return of Bob Iger in 2022, after Bob Chapek’s complete failure as the first replacement for Iger.

Some quick backstory.

Bob Iger spent nearly 15 years serving as the head of Disney, acquiring major IP (Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars) during his first tenure. He also ushered in the expansion of the parks around the globe, calling it the “Plusing of the Parks.” Then in 2020, Iger stepped down, and Bob Chapek was elected as the new CEO. Within 18 months, the board of directors removed Chapek.

Chapek was never the right fit for Disney – refusing to modernize the parks, cutting budgets. He will be remembered for a fight with the State of Florida that almost caused Disney to lose control of Disney World. The board removed him in early 2022 and asked Iger to return to the role as CEO.

Since Iger’s return, Josh D’Amaro has been right by his side, being the second face of the corporation. He was the main voice at D23 in 2024 when it was announced that parks around the world would be added to and upgraded, nowhere more than Disneyland. The expansion of Disney Cruise Line to 13 ships and a major collaboration with Epic Games and Fortnite helped contribute to an overall excitement in the Disney brand.

D’Amaro has often shown up in Disneyland, talking to guests, enjoying the food, and even riding some of the rides. It has been felt for the last year or so that he was the successor to Iger. He comes from the parks side of Disney, which is the largest profit maker for the company.

He is not the only one getting a new job at Disney. It was also announced this morning that Dana Walden will become President and Chief Creative Officer, reporting to D’Amaro. She previously served as the head of Disney’s entertainment media, news, and content businesses, including the streaming service. Streaming is a large part of Disney’s content right now. But also, streaming services across the board are in flux. She is going to have to find a happy medium between new and exciting creative ideas and budget concerns.

D’Amaro has big issues and projects on the table right now. The multi-year expansion of Disneyland and Disney World, known as Disney Forward, has begun, and both parks are under construction for new rides and experiences. Disney World is getting a Villains Land, after years of fans asking for it. Disneyland itself is changing the way people enter the park with a new East Gate Way Project that will allow the new Avatar ride to fit into California Adventure. There is also the latest park, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, which is currently opening in 2030.

These projects are massive in scope and scale. But there are also the aftereffects of Chapek’s political confrontation with Governor Ron DeSantis. Although the headline-making news has subsided, there are long-lasting concerns from Disney fans that real-world politics will interfere with or ruin their enjoyment of Disney World.

Overall, the naming of Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden to these two important positions signals that the board has a clear indication of where they see Disney heading into the future. More time and effort on the parks worldwide, and a better grasp on streaming and the content coming from Mickey Mouse’s home.

Author: Sean Miley

I’d rather find the things that I like about a story, movie, or tv show, than lead with negativity. I love Star Wars, Doctor Who, MCU, comic book and conventions.

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