Josh D’Amaro to Take Over as Disney CEO

Josh D’Amaro has been unanimously elected by The Walt Disney Company’s board of directors to become the next CEO, with Dana Walden named as president and chief creative officer.

“Josh D’Amaro possesses that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen eye for strategic growth opportunities and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people—all of which make him the right person to take the helm as Disney’s next CEO,” said James Gorman, chairman of the board of directors. “Throughout this search process, Josh has demonstrated a strong vision for the company’s future and a deep understanding of the creative spirit that makes Disney unique in an ever-changing marketplace.”

“He has an outstanding record of business achievement, collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment to bring their stories to life in our parks, showcasing the power of combining Disney storytelling with cutting-edge technology,” Gorman continued. “The board believes he is exceptionally well prepared to guide this global company forward to serve our consumers around the world and create long-term value for shareholders.”

“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” said Robert A. Iger, current CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects. His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary, and I am thrilled for Josh and the company.”

D’Amaro, currently chairman of Disney Experiences, will take on his new role on March 18, as will Walden, who is currently co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.

“Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community,” added Iger. “Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, she is a wonderful choice to serve in this new leadership role. In the years since Dana joined Disney, she has accumulated great knowledge about the many facets of our businesses and brands, and is very well prepared to be president and chief creative officer.”

Iger will be continuing to serve as a senior advisor and member of the board until his retirement from the company on December 31.