Disney appoints parks chief Josh D'Amaro as next CEO

Disney said parks chair Josh D'Amaro will become the company’s CEO on March 18, succeeding Bob Iger; Dana Walden will move into the role of president and chief creative officer.

Disney announced that Josh D'Amaro, the executive who leads its parks division, will become the company's next chief executive. The announcement ends years of speculation about who would succeed Bob Iger. Dana Walden, previously head of Disney TV, will become president and chief creative officer reporting to D'Amaro. The company highlighted its ongoing investments in parks and cruise operations as part of its broader business focus. Key details: - Josh D'Amaro will take over as CEO on March 18, after Disney's annual meeting. - D'Amaro has overseen Disney Experiences since 2020 and is the second parks chief to be named CEO after Bob Chapek. - Dana Walden will become president and chief creative officer and will report to D'Amaro; Disney described the role as a historic first for the company. - Bob Iger will remain with the company as a senior adviser and board member until his contract ends on December 31. - The company has emphasized continued spending on parks expansion and new cruise ships as part of its strategy. Summary: The change formalizes a planned succession and places a parks-focused executive at the company's top leadership role while creating a new enterprise-level creative position. D'Amaro assumes the CEO post on March 18; Iger will stay on in advisory and board roles through the end of his contract on December 31.