Josh D’Amaro has been Disney’s CEO for less than a month, and he’s already delivered some of the hardest news a chief executive can send companywide.
D’Amaro Confirms Layoffs at Disney
On Tuesday, D’Amaro officially acknowledged layoffs affecting approximately 1,000 employees at The Walt Disney Company, with some cast members already notified that their positions have been eliminated. Additional open roles have also been cut, shrinking the workforce further without requiring individual terminations.
The reductions are concentrated in marketing departments, which D’Amaro framed as part of a broader restructuring effort tied to a marketing and brand reorganization announced in January. Reporter Scott Gustin shared the full text of D’Amaro’s internal memo on X (formerly Twitter), making the letter public.
In a company memo, Josh D’Amaro says Disney will be “eliminating roles in some parts of the company” and has begun notifying affected employees. About 1,000 roles are reportedly impacted, largely tied to a realignment of the company’s marketing operations.
In a company memo, Josh D'Amaro says Disney will be “eliminating roles in some parts of the company” and has begun notifying affected employees. About 1,000 roles are reportedly impacted, largely tied to a realignment of the company’s marketing operations. pic.twitter.com/FGecveKW9k
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 14, 2026
It reads in full:
“Dear Fellow Employees & Cast Members,
We have experienced a great deal of change these last few years, both at the company and across our industries. Knowing firsthand how these moments can bring uncertainty, I want to be open about some difficult news that will be communicated this week.
In January, we announced our unified enterprise marketing and brand organization, designed to serve consumers in an even more connected way. Over the past several months, we have looked at ways in which we can streamline our operations in various parts of the company to ensure we deliver the world-class creativity and innovation our fans value and expect from Disney. Given the fast-moving pace of our industries, this requires us to constantly assess how to foster a more agile and technologically-enabled workforce to meet tomorrow’s needs. As a result, we will be eliminating roles in some parts of the company and have begun notifying impacted employees.
I know this is hard. Those that will be leaving us have done meaningful work here and care deeply about this company. These decisions are not a reflection of their contributions, or of the overall strength of the company. Rather, they reflect our continual evaluation of how to more effectively manage our resources and reinvest in our businesses. Compassion and respect remain at the heart of our company. As we move forward through this transition, our priority is to support those impacted and help each person navigate what comes next with resources, guidance, and direct support.
Despite these difficult decisions, I remain optimistic about where we’re headed as a company. I’m deeply grateful for all of your contributions and for the dedication, professionalism, and care you bring to your work each day. Even in challenging moments, you continue to demonstrate what makes Disney so special.
Josh”
A Turbulent Start in the Corner Office
D’Amaro officially stepped into the CEO role on March 18, succeeding Bob Iger, who will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through the end of fiscal 2026. Within days of taking over, rumors surfaced that D’Amaro had pushed Imagineers to rethink their plans for the Disney Villains land under development at Magic Kingdom Park, reportedly urging the team to “think bigger.” Walt Disney World Resort has not confirmed whether any changes to the planned area beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are actually in the works.
Do you think these layoffs mark the start of a difficult term as Disney CEO for Josh D’Amaro? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
