The wait is officially over. Disney has named Josh D’Amaro as its next CEO, ending a years-long succession process that captivated Wall Street and Hollywood alike. The current chairman of Disney Experiences will officially step into the role on March 18, with Dana Walden elevated to the newly created position of President and Chief Creative Officer.
The announcement was revealed Tuesday morning after a unanimous vote by Disney’s board of directors. D’Amaro succeeds Bob Iger, who will transition to Senior Advisor and remain on the board until his retirement on December 31. It is Iger’s second time stepping aside from the top job, having previously handed the reins to Bob Chapek in 2020 before returning to salvage the situation in late 2022.
Speaking on the appointment, Disney board chairman James Gorman said:
“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.”
D’Amaro has been with Disney since 1998, rising through the ranks from his start at Disneyland to leading the company’s $36 billion Experiences division. Under his watch, the segment has become Disney’s largest revenue driver, overseeing a $60 billion expansion that includes new attractions, cruise ships, and a theme park in Abu Dhabi. His base salary as CEO will be $2.5 million, with performance-based bonuses and stock incentives pushing his total annual package to around $38 million.
Walden, who had been co-chair of Disney Entertainment alongside Alan Bergman, will now oversee all creative output across Disney Entertainment, Hulu, Disney+, and company-wide marketing. Her contract runs through March 2030, with a base salary of $3.75 million and a total annual package of approximately $24 million. She will report directly to D’Amaro.
The succession process was notably different from the chaotic Chapek era. This time around, the board engaged in a multi-year search led by Gorman, evaluating both internal and external candidates before ultimately settling on the 28-year Disney veteran. The move marks a return to promoting from the parks division, though insiders say D’Amaro has worked hard to build relationships with the creative community in ways Chapek never did.