Disney has appointed Josh D’Amaro, the current head of its parks division, as the new CEO to replace Bob Iger. D’Amaro, who has led the company’s theme parks, cruises, and resorts since 2020, will become the ninth CEO in Disney’s 100-year history. The experiences division under his leadership has been a major revenue driver, generating $36 billion annually and employing 185,000 people worldwide.
D’Amaro takes over at a time when Disney is thriving with box office hits like Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash, and its streaming business remains strong. However, the entertainment giant faces challenges, including the rise of generative AI, streaming industry consolidation, and political scrutiny. The transition follows a rocky period under previous CEO Bob Chapek, which led to Iger’s temporary return in 2022.
The CEO selection process was meticulous, with a succession planning committee formed in 2023 and a thorough search in 2024. Iger will remain as a senior advisor and board member until his retirement at the end of the year. The change comes amid broader turmoil for Disney, including controversy over the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following political comments, raising concerns about external influence on entertainment companies.