The corporate game of musical chairs at The Walt Disney Company has finally reached its crescendo. As of February 2026, the long-speculated succession plan is official: Josh D’Amaro has been named the new CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
While the news of D’Amaro’s promotion has brought a collective sigh of relief to fans who worried about a return to the “spreadsheet-first” era of his predecessors, it leaves a massive, $36-billion-dollar vacancy at the top of the company’s most beloved and profitable division. The question now echoing from the Utilidors of Florida to the shores of Hong Kong is: Who will be the next Chairman of Disney Experiences?
Stepping into D’Amaro’s sneakers is no small feat. Josh was a “rockstar” executive who balanced high-level boardroom strategy with a genuine, boots-on-the-ground connection to Cast Members and guests. As Disney embarks on its most aggressive expansion era in history—with $60 billion committed to the parks over the next decade—the new Chairman won’t just be managing a division; they’ll be leading a global construction project.
Based on current industry chatter and internal frontrunners, here are the top contenders for the biggest job in themed entertainment.
1. Thomas Mazloum: The Frontrunner for the Crown
If you are looking for the most likely heir, look no further than Thomas Mazloum. Currently serving as President of the Disneyland Resort, Mazloum has a resume that looks custom-built for this moment.
Before taking over the “Original Kingdom” in Anaheim, Mazloum was the President of Disney Signature Experiences, where he successfully guided the Disney Cruise Line through an unprecedented era of growth. Under his watch, the fleet’s expansion was secured, including the launch of a second private island destination in The Bahamas and a roadmap to double the fleet size by 2031.
Why he might win: Mazloum is a seasoned operator who understands both the “boutique” feel of the Cruise Line and the massive operational complexity of a flagship resort. With the DisneylandForward project currently in high gear in Anaheim, he has proven he can navigate local politics and high-stakes infrastructure simultaneously.
2. Jeff Vahle: The Guardian of Walt Disney World
If Disney wants to prioritize the Florida expansion—which represents a massive chunk of that $60 billion investment—Jeff Vahle is the logical choice. As the current President of Walt Disney World Resort, Vahle oversees a workforce larger than most small cities.
Vahle is a “steady hand” leader. He navigated the resort through the political storms of the mid-2020s and has been the face of the park during its most recent technological upgrades.
Why he might win: The “Beyond Big Thunder” expansion and the Tropical Americas retheme at Animal Kingdom are the two largest active construction zones in the Disney empire. Promoting Vahle ensures that the person at the top has intimate knowledge of the Florida swamp and the unique logistical hurdles of building in Central Florida.
3. The “Product” Powerhouse: Stephanie Young
Stephanie Young, President of Disney Consumer Products and a former Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland, is the “dark horse” candidate.
Why she might win: Modern Disney Parks are increasingly reliant on synergy between physical attractions and retail products. Young understands how to turn a ride like the new “Monsters, Inc.” coaster into a global merchandising powerhouse. Her international experience is also a significant plus as Disney looks to further “globalize” its park offerings.
The Global Mandate: What the New Head Must Oversee
The new Chairman won’t have time for a “honeymoon phase.” Josh D’Amaro has left a blueprint for the next decade that includes massive, simultaneous renovations and expansions across the globe.
In North America: The Big Rebuild
- Tropical Americas (Animal Kingdom): With the DINOSAUR ride officially closed as of February 1, 2026, construction walls are already up. The new head must oversee the transition into an Indiana Jones and Encanto world by 2027.
- Monstropolis (Hollywood Studios): The new head will be the one to open the first-ever suspended door coaster in a dedicated Monsters, Inc. land.
- Avatar at DCA: In California, expanding the Avatar presence into Disney California Adventure is a high-priority project that requires a delicate touch to avoid the “franchise fatigue” seen in other IP lands.
Around the World: The International Renaissance
The expansion isn’t limited to the United States. The new Chairman will be responsible for a portfolio that is currently undergoing its most significant international overhaul in 30 years:
- Disney Adventure World (Paris): On March 29, 2026, Walt Disney Studios Park will officially be renamed Disney Adventure World. The new Chairman will oversee the grand opening of the World of Frozen and the launch of the new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Cascade of Lights,” on the park’s new central lake.
- Stark Expo (Hong Kong): Construction is currently peaking for the new Spider-Man-themed drop tower (rumored to be a Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock encounter) at Hong Kong Disneyland, set for a late 2026 or early 2027 debut.
- Tokyo DisneySea 25th Anniversary: While the Oriental Land Company owns the park, Disney’s Chairman oversees the creative integration. The “Sparkling Jubilee” celebration, beginning April 15, 2026, will be a significant test of Disney’s ability to maintain its partnership with its most successful international resort.
Conclusion: A Decade of Construction
The next head of Disney Parks will likely be remembered as the “Construction Chairman.” For the next five to ten years, the job will be less about managing “status quo” operations and more about navigating supply chains, labor markets, and the high expectations of a fanbase that has been promised a $60 billion revolution.
Whoever replaces Josh D’Amaro will benefit from a fortified creative engine and a CEO who actually understands what a “101” breakdown means for guest satisfaction. However, with Universal’s Epic Universe now fully operational and siphoning away guests in Orlando, the new “King of the Kingdom” will have to move fast. The era of Josh D’Amaro was about saving the magic; the era of his successor will be about building its future.
