The Walt Disney Company will be looking very different in the coming years. And we know why.
Disney Will Look Very Different in a Few Years (And We Know Why)
Change is in the air at The Walt Disney Company. As Bob Iger’s tenure nears its end, the question echoing through corporate offices and fan communities alike is simple yet monumental: Who will take the throne?
Disney’s next CEO will inherit a company standing at a crossroads—balancing theme park innovation, streaming success, and brand revival after years of transformation. And according to insiders, the search has become more focused than ever, with one name consistently rising to the top: Josh D’Amaro.
But this isn’t just another executive shuffle. The outcome could determine how Disney tells its stories, builds its parks, and connects with fans for generations to come.
Inside the Search: Who’s Still in the Running
A new report from Bloomberg has narrowed Disney’s CEO race to two primary contenders: Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, and Dana Walden, Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment.
Previously, the frontrunners included D’Amaro, Walden, Alan Bergman, and Jimmy Pitaro, who has since withdrawn from consideration. Bloomberg now calls it a “two-horse race,” noting that Bergman has become “a long shot.”
“Through nine months of fiscal 2025, profit in the division rose to $8.12 billion—a third more than Disney’s TV, film, streaming and sports operations combined,” the outlet reports, underscoring just how influential D’Amaro’s leadership has become.
Those numbers matter. They show that while Disney’s entertainment divisions continue to find their footing, its parks, resorts, and consumer products remain the company’s strongest and most reliable driver of growth.
A Career Built on Magic and Momentum
Josh D’Amaro’s reputation comes from more than profit margins—it’s rooted in Disney’s culture itself. Having started his career with the company decades ago, D’Amaro’s journey from operations to executive leadership has made him one of the most respected figures in the organization.
He currently oversees projects like Disney’s upcoming Abu Dhabi theme park and the company’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, both seen as bold moves blending physical and digital storytelling.
By contrast, Dana Walden brings deep experience in television and streaming. She helped lead Disney+ to profitability and carries valuable Wall Street credibility. However, Bloomberg and The New York Post note that her role in recent controversies—like the suspension and reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel—may have complicated her standing among shareholders.
What It Could Mean for Fans
If D’Amaro ultimately steps into the CEO role, it could mark a cultural shift within Disney—one that brings the focus back to immersive experiences and creative connection.
Many fans see him as a leader who understands the “Disney difference,” someone who balances business goals with storytelling passion. Internal reports describe his presentation on Disney’s future as “especially inspiring,” signaling a leadership style grounded in both vision and authenticity.
For theme park guests and Disney loyalists, this could translate into new investments in storytelling experiences, stronger integration between parks and media, and a renewed emphasis on guest satisfaction over spreadsheets.
The Road Ahead
The CEO search is being overseen by James P. Gorman, Chairman of Morgan Stanley and now Disney’s own Board Chairman. The company expects to name a successor in early 2026, leaving nearly a year for transition before Iger’s contract concludes that December.
Whether D’Amaro or Walden wins the top spot, the decision will define Disney’s trajectory for years to come. Yet the growing consensus among executives, analysts, and even Iger’s inner circle seems clear: Josh D’Amaro is the one to watch.
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