【Epoch Times News, February 4, 2026】Walt Disney Company announced on Tuesday, February 3rd, that Josh D’Amaro, President of Parks, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on March 18, succeeding the current CEO, Bob Iger.
Walt Disney Company operates a vast entertainment empire, with global theme parks such as Disneyland, Disney World, Tokyo Disney, Disneyland Paris, Shanghai Disney, as well as businesses including Pixar and Marvel Studios, Star Wars series, ABC network, Disney+, Hulu streaming platform, and a rich library of classic films.
The change in CEO of the company has attracted industry attention.
In a statement, the 54-year-old D’Amaro expressed gratitude to the board for entrusting him with leading the company that holds extraordinary significance for himself and millions of people worldwide.
Currently serving as Chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing the company’s cruise ships, resorts, attractions, consumer technology, and managing over a dozen theme parks and nearly 60 resorts across the United States, Europe, and Asia, as well as a theme park under construction in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Under D’Amaro’s leadership, Disney Parks has achieved outstanding results. In the latest financial report released on Monday, February 2nd, the quarterly revenue of Disney’s domestic parks in the United States for the three months ending December 27th reached a historic high, with an increase in visitor numbers and spending.
In addition to theme parks and cruise businesses, D’Amaro also leads Disney’s consumer products division, responsible for licensing lucrative children’s toys, clothing, and home goods.
Joining Disney in 1998, D’Amaro initially worked at Disney Theme Parks Resort and has been promoted within Disney over the past few decades, serving as CFO of Disney Consumer Products Global Licensing, President of Disney Parks Resort, and President of Walt Disney World Resort.
Approaching his 75th birthday, Iger praised, “Josh D’Amaro is an outstanding leader and the right choice for our next CEO.”
Iger’s departure marks the end of his second term at Disney. He returned as CEO at the end of 2022. In the preceding two years, his appointed successor, Bob Chapek, was removed by the board due to poor management. In 2023, the board unanimously voted to extend Iger’s term until December 31, 2026.
Disney stated that Iger will continue to serve as a senior advisor and board member until his retirement on December 31st.
Disney Chairman James Gorman expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the board to Bob Iger for his exceptional leadership and dedication to The Walt Disney Company.
On Tuesday, Disney also announced that Dana Walden, responsible for the television and streaming media division, will serve as the company’s President and Chief Creative Officer. She had been considered a top contender for the CEO position.
In addition to D’Amaro and Walden, Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, had also been seen as a top contender to succeed Iger.
As D’Amaro prepares to take office, the American entertainment industry is in turmoil, and Hollywood is facing a transformation. Disney and other traditional film companies are striving to adapt to challenges such as declining TV ratings, the rise of generative AI, labor union disruptions, and increased federal government regulatory scrutiny.
(This article references reporting from NBC NEWS)