Larissa Manoela and Josh D'Amaro, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, greet the audience after the Disney Experiences Panel during day 2 of D23 Brazil: A Disney Experience at Transamerica Expo Center on November 9, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Ricardo Moreira | fake images
disney is turning the page on a new chapter as Josh D'Amaro takes over as CEO of media and theme park powerhouse.
D'Amaro most recently served as president of Disney Experiences, which includes the company's theme parks, cruise lines, resorts and consumer products. He will officially succeed Bob Iger as CEO during the company's annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday.
The veteran Disney executive takes over after a period of uncertainty for the century-old company — including a closely watched succession race and a recent reorganization and turnaround — that has left it with a mixed reception from Wall Street.
Disney shares are down more than 10% so far this year through Tuesday's close.
D'Amaro's most immediate task will be to maintain momentum in Disney's key growth areas. The company's most recent quarterly earnings were boosted by its theme parks and streaming, the two areas that continue to be the focus of investors, industry peers and consumers alike.
The company has recently embarked on a major investment in its theme parks, including an expansion with a theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, and has seen its streaming business achieve consecutive quarters of profitability.
Disney also returned to the top of the box office with hits like “Lilo & Stitch,” “Zootopia” and “Avatar” in 2025.
welcome car
In this image provided by Disneyland Resort, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger speak during Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary celebrations on July 17, 2025 in Anaheim, California.
Brochure | Getty Images Entertainment | fake images
This is the second time Iger has handed the reins to a successor in about six years. He will remain as a senior advisor and member of Disney's board of directors until he leaves the company on December 31.
The historic CEO led Disney for approximately 20 years across two stints at the top. In his first 15 years, Iger was responsible for some of its biggest acquisitions, including the Marvel and Fox entertainment assets, as well as the launch of Disney+.
He resigned in 2020, but his time away from the company was limited to two years following a trade to Bob Chapek that was plagued with drama.
In Disney's February announcement of D'Amaro's appointment, Iger called D'Amaro an “exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO.”
D'Amaro, 55, has been with Disney since 1998 and has held various positions at the company. Under his leadership, Disney's theme parks division has become a driving force and profit generator.
