Josh D’Amaro Shares His Journey to Disney CEO: A Heartfelt Town Hall with Dana Walden and Bob Iger

New Leadership Unveiled at Disney as Josh D’Amaro Takes the Helm

In a company town hall held on Wednesday, Josh D’Amaro was introduced as Disney’s new CEO, succeeding Bob Iger. D’Amaro, currently the chairman of Disney Parks & Experiences, was formally revealed after a two-year search by the board of directors. He will officially take charge on March 18, following the annual meeting of stockholders.

Witnesses to the event described D’Amaro as charming as he joked about HBO’s Succession, a commentary on corporate leadership transitions. He indicated that despite the series’ often tumultuous depiction of succession, the process at Disney has strengthened relationships within the company. “My wife told me not to watch it,” he quipped, referencing the show. “But it’s a big responsibility” to lead such a storied organization.

D’Amaro expressed pride in being selected, revealing, “To be invited into a room… asking me to be CEO, it’s surreal.” He emphasized his commitment to carrying forward Disney’s legacy while remaining optimistic about its future, supported by his extensive experience at Disney, which began in 1998.

Dana Walden, now co-chair of Disney Entertainment and newly appointed President and Chief Creative Officer, joined D’Amaro midway through the town hall. She shared a heartwarming anecdote from a recent corporate retreat at Disney World, where D’Amaro skillfully reunited a lost child with their family during a rainstorm. “Watching Josh in that moment spoke volumes. He cares deeply about every person,” Walden remarked.

Iger, who plans to step down but will remain with Disney as a strategic advisor until the end of 2026, reflected on his tenure and expressed confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership. “Josh has an acute appreciation of what this company means to the world,” he stated, highlighting D’Amaro’s energy, curiosity, and respect for creativity.

The event concluded with a standing ovation for Iger, acknowledging his contributions over the years.

This marks a critical transition for Disney, which has experienced three CEO changes in six years. Iger initially took the reins in 2005, followed by Bob Chapek’s brief and troubled tenure, which ended in 2022. The recent leadership changes signal a new chapter for Disney, with D’Amaro already outlining a strategy that emphasizes growth across platforms, including profitable streaming services and robust movie performances. “There is huge opportunity for growth within each of our strategic priorities,” he affirmed.