Disney names new CEO - just the ninth person to run the entertainment giant in 102 years
The man who runs Disney's theme parks is about to run the whole company.
The Walt Disney Company said Tuesday that theme parks chief Josh D'Amaro will succeed Bob Iger as chief executive, bringing an end to one of corporate America's most closely watched succession sagas.
'Josh D'Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,' said Iger. 'He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences.'
D'Amaro now steps into control of everything from Pixar and Marvel Studios to Star Wars, ABC, Disney+, Hulu and the company's global theme park business.
The 54-year-old is a Disney lifer who has spent more than two decades rising through the company's parks business.
He has served as chairman of the Disney Experiences division since 2020, after previously running Walt Disney World Resort. He first joined Disney in 1998 at Disneyland Resort.
Disney's theme parks and cruises have recently become the company's biggest source of profits.
D'Amaro emerged from a high-profile, yearlong showdown with Disney entertainment co-chair Dana Walden to land the role, while Walden was tapped for the newly created title of president and chief creative officer.
Disney leaders were intent on keeping this succession orderly after the turmoil of their last attempt.
The Walt Disney Company said Tuesday that theme parks chief Josh D'Amaro will succeed Bob Iger as chief executive
Josh D'Amaro now steps into control of everything from Pixar and Marvel Studios to Star Wars, ABC, Disney+, Hulu and the company's global theme park business
Disney's theme parks and cruises have recently become the company's biggest source of profits
The company elevated former parks chief Bob Chapek to CEO in 2020, only to oust him two years later and reinstall Iger in a dramatic reversal.
This time, the search was led by chairman James Gorman, who joined the board in 2024 following a widely lauded succession at Morgan Stanley. Iger had been chairman when Chapek was chosen.
'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 Gorman.
The company has seen just eight leaders in its 102-year-run - D'Amaro will be the ninth. The CEO position has only ever been held by men.
Disney shares climbed 1.5 percent in premarket trading.
