The Walt Disney Company has officially named Josh D’Amaro as its new Chief Executive Officer. The corporate leadership page and D’Amaro’s biography have been updated to reflect the transition from Bob Iger, who is stepping down after years of leading the company.
The New Disney CEO’s Background
D’Amaro comes to the CEO role after serving as Chairman of Disney Experiences, the company’s largest and fastest-growing business segment, with $36 billion in annual revenue in fiscal year 2025.
During his time leading Disney Experiences, D’Amaro oversaw the largest expansion in the segment’s history, including:
- New cruise ships
- Resort expansions
- Themed lands at parks worldwide
- Cutting-edge attractions
- Technologies redefining the guest experience
This work was powered by collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Studios, and the creators behind Disney’s franchises.
Strategic Priorities
D’Amaro has outlined clear priorities as CEO, focused on uniting human creativity with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable storytelling experiences that deepen Disney’s bond with fans.
According to his updated corporate biography: “Under his leadership, Disney is harnessing the power of its creative engines, global reach, and multiple consumer touchpoints to accelerate into a new era of innovation and growth.”
Technology and Innovation Focus
D’Amaro has championed integrating advanced technology across Disney’s businesses:
Walt Disney Imagineering: Breakthroughs in advanced robotics and next-generation animatronics
Epic Games Partnership: A landmark platform deal that will redefine how fans play, create, and connect with Disney stories
His vision places technology in the service of creativity, using it to expand the Disney universe for new audiences while positioning the company at the forefront of a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Nearly Three Decades at Disney
Over his nearly 30-year career at Disney, D’Amaro has played a central role in shaping the modern Disney brand across:
- Theme parks
- Cruise ships
- Retail
- Games
- Immersive experiences
- Real-world and digital storytelling
He’s held executive roles in the U.S. and internationally across finance, business strategy, marketing, creative development, and operations.
His work contributed to celebrated achievements, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, and multiple milestones across the cruise and resort portfolio.
The “Parks Guy” as CEO
The transition is significant because D’Amaro brings a deep connection to Disney parks, something few Disney CEOs have had.
Before his executive roles, he served in leadership positions across Disney’s theme park division, including overseeing Walt Disney World operations and later running Disney Parks globally.
Many fans are encouraged that Disney chose a “parks guy” as CEO, believing D’Amaro understands parks operations better than previous leadership did.
What This Could Mean for Attractions
For Disney fans, leadership changes often signal park evolution. With D’Amaro’s parks background, speculation has emerged about potential attraction updates.
At least 11 classic Walt Disney World attractions could face changes:
EPCOT: Spaceship Earth, Mission: SPACE, Journey Into Imagination With Figment, Gran Fiesta Tour
Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, “it’s a small world”, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean
Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror, Star Tours
While nothing has been officially announced, these attractions’ age, popularity, and history make them natural candidates for attention under leadership that deeply understands theme park operations.
Iger’s Legacy as CEO
Bob Iger guided Disney through major acquisitions (Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm), the expansion of its streaming service Disney+, and large-scale theme park investments. His tenure transformed Disney into the entertainment giant it is today.
D’Amaro now carries that legacy forward while bringing his own priorities: creative courage, disciplined investment, global expansion, and relentless innovation.
Looking Ahead for New CEO
D’Amaro’s leadership emphasizes ensuring Disney continues inspiring generations to come, supported by a culture that empowers the people who bring its stories to life.
His nearly three-decade career, global perspective, and commitment to quality position him to guide Disney through the intersection of creativity and technology that defines modern entertainment.
For theme park fans, D’Amaro’s ascension represents hope that parks will remain a top priority—potentially ushering in another wave of expansions, updates, and innovations designed to keep Walt Disney World competitive for future generations.
