Disney confirms succession plan as theme parks boss steps up to head company

 

The head of Disney’s theme parks and cruise division is take the helm of the overall company.

 

Josh D’Amaro is to succeed long-term Walt Disney Company chief executive Robert Iger at the group’s annual meeting on March 18.

 

D’Amaro, 54, has served as chairman of the Disney Experiences arm since 2020, and was previously president of Walt Disney World Resort, having joined the company in 1998 at Disneyland Resort.

 

As chairman of Disney Experiences, the company’s largest business segment with $36 billion in annual revenue, D’Amaro oversees 12 theme parks and 57 resort hotels worldwide, with plans for a new park in Abu Dhabi. 

 

His responsibilities include Disney Signature Experiences - including Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Disney Institute, and Storyliving by Disney - as well as overseeing Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Consumer Products. 

 

He also manages digital ventures, including the collaboration with Epic Games to create a Disney universe within Fortnite.

 

Over a Disney career spanning almost three decades, he has held leadership roles across the company both in the US and internationally, including in finance, business strategy, marketing, creative development and operations. 

 

D’Amaro’s election as chief executive caps a “thorough and extensive” succession planning process dating back three years. 

 

D’Amaro and Dana Walden, currently co-chair of Disney’s entertainment business and promoted to president and chief creative officer, underwent a rigorous preparation process, including extensive mentorship from Iger, external coaching, and direct engagement with all directors, according to the company. 

 

The appointments came a day after Disney warned of "international visitation headwinds" at its US theme parks.

 

Iger, who has led Disney for almost 20 years across two periods, said: “I am incredibly proud to step away at a moment when Disney’s future has never been brighter. 

 

“I’m confident Disney will continue to innovate and put the spirit of Walt at the heart of everything it does – from its new park in Abu Dhabi to the groundbreaking partnerships just announced with OpenAI and the NFL, to the countless upcoming creative projects that will enthral audiences around the world. 

 

"Disney has shaped who I am as a leader, and I will always be grateful to this extraordinary company and for the opportunity to lead it over all these years.”

 

He added: “Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO. 

 

“He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigour and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects. 

 

"His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary and I am thrilled for Josh and the company.”

 

D’Amaro said: “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. 

 

“Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences. 

 

"There is no limit to what Disney can achieve, and I am excited to work with our teams across the company and brilliant creative partners to honour Disney’s remarkable legacy while continuing to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders.”