In a high-profile leadership transition, Disney has appointed Josh D’Amaro as its new CEO, succeeding the legendary Bob Iger. This marks a significant turning point for the company, one of the world’s most iconic entertainment conglomerates. D’Amaro’s appointment has sparked both excitement and curiosity, especially since Disney has seen immense growth under Iger’s stewardship, both in terms of content creation and expanding its reach across global markets.
D’Amaro, who is currently the chairman of Disney’s Parks, Experiences, and Products division, will assume the CEO role on March 18, 2026. His ascension is seen as the culmination of years of growth in the theme parks and experiences sector, which now represents a major revenue stream for Disney. However, his leadership will be closely watched as he faces several key challenges, particularly in the rapidly evolving streaming industry, where Disney has been struggling to recapture subscriber growth.
A Career Built on Disney’s Legacy
Josh D’Amaro is no stranger to Disney, having joined the company in 1998. Over the course of his career, he has held several key leadership positions, including as the chief financial officer of Disney’s consumer products global licensing division and president of both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. His extensive experience within Disney’s parks and resorts business, paired with his expertise in leading large-scale operations, has made him a natural choice to take the helm of the company.
Since becoming head of the Parks, Experiences, and Products division in May 2020, D’Amaro has overseen remarkable growth. Under his leadership, revenue in this division grew nearly 40%, from $26.2 billion in fiscal 2019 to $36.2 billion in fiscal 2025. More impressively, the division’s operating income rose from $6.8 billion to $10 billion during the same period, a nearly 50% increase. As the company’s theme parks and resorts continue to dominate the market, D’Amaro’s deep understanding of Disney’s core business will be an asset as he takes on the CEO role.
The Success of Disney’s Parks and Resorts Under D’Amaro
D’Amaro’s track record at the helm of Disney’s theme parks is a testament to his leadership capabilities. The Disney Parks division, which encompasses resorts, cruise lines, and theme parks across the globe, has flourished during his tenure, particularly as the company recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, Disney’s theme parks were temporarily closed, and many of the company’s major revenue streams ground to a halt. However, D’Amaro quickly pivoted and continued critical infrastructure projects, including the new Avengers-themed land at Disneyland California and various updates to existing parks.
The reopening of parks saw the successful launch of several major attractions, including Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Tron Lightcycle Run, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. These new additions have helped maintain Disney’s position as a leader in the global theme park industry, driving both consumer interest and increased attendance.
International development also continued under D’Amaro’s watch, with new attractions such as the Fantasy Springs expansion at Tokyo Disneyland and the upcoming “Zootopia” land at Shanghai Disneyland. Additionally, D’Amaro spearheaded the growth of Disney’s cruise line, which plans to double its fleet size by 2031. These strategic moves in international markets reflect D’Amaro’s vision for Disney as a globally interconnected brand.
The Road Ahead: Challenges in Streaming and Media
While D’Amaro’s success in the parks and resorts division has been widely acknowledged, his upcoming role as CEO presents a different set of challenges. One of the most pressing issues facing Disney is the growth and sustainability of its streaming business. The company has been focusing heavily on Disney+ and other streaming platforms, including Hulu and ESPN+, to compete in the increasingly competitive digital content landscape.
Streaming services have become the focal point for many traditional media companies, as audiences increasingly abandon cable TV in favor of on-demand services. Disney+ was initially successful in attracting millions of subscribers, but in recent months, the platform has faced challenges with subscriber retention, largely due to the erosion of its content library and a toughening competitive landscape.
Despite the struggles, Disney+ remains a key part of Disney’s strategy. In addition to new content releases, the company has also worked to create a more diverse content ecosystem through bundling services and introducing cheaper, ad-supported tiers for Disney+ and Hulu. However, growth has slowed compared to the initial surge, and Disney has faced difficulties managing costs while maintaining profitability in the streaming business. D’Amaro will need to find a balance between bolstering Disney’s streaming platforms and maintaining Disney’s traditional, lucrative businesses like theme parks, theatrical releases, and merchandise.
A New Era for Content and Creativity
Disney’s content creation and intellectual property (IP) remain at the heart of the company’s success. Under D’Amaro’s leadership, the synergy between Disney’s theme parks, media production, and retail will be critical in maintaining Disney’s competitive edge. D’Amaro has already demonstrated an understanding of Disney’s iconic IP, which includes franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, by successfully integrating them into the theme park experience.
This collaboration across departments has become an essential part of Disney’s continued growth. In fact, the integration of content into the parks has been so successful that it has driven revenue growth and attracted new audiences to Disney’s resorts. As D’Amaro steps into the CEO role, it is likely that he will continue to champion these cross-platform initiatives and look for new ways to capitalize on the company’s extensive content library.
However, while D’Amaro has the expertise to lead Disney’s experiential business, his ability to navigate the shifting sands of the entertainment industry as a whole will be key to his success as CEO. Disney’s challenge lies in how to maintain its dominance in both traditional entertainment and digital media, which is increasingly essential to its bottom line.
Legacy of Bob Iger: A Tough Act to Follow
D’Amaro’s appointment as CEO also comes with the shadow of his predecessor, Bob Iger, whose tenure has left an indelible mark on Disney. Iger’s leadership is widely credited with transforming Disney into the media powerhouse it is today. During his time as CEO, Iger orchestrated the acquisition of major studios like Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, cementing Disney’s dominance in the entertainment industry. He also played a pivotal role in the creation of Disney+, a service that has reshaped how audiences consume content.
However, Iger’s leadership wasn’t without its challenges. During his second stint as CEO, he was tasked with overseeing major restructuring efforts within Disney to streamline operations and cut costs, all while navigating the post-pandemic landscape. This reshuffling was a critical move to position Disney for long-term growth, but it also put pressure on Iger’s successor to maintain the momentum.
D’Amaro will need to build upon Iger’s legacy while putting his own stamp on the company’s future. The first task at hand will be managing Disney’s streaming and traditional media operations, while continuing to expand its park operations globally.
The Transition and Its Impact
As Josh D’Amaro takes on the mantle of CEO, Disney’s future seems bright, but he must also address the challenges of a rapidly changing media landscape. The streaming business, while critical to Disney’s future, faces competition from a myriad of platforms, including Netflix, Amazon, and new entrants. Meanwhile, the company’s massive investment in parks and resorts offers a stable foundation for growth, but D’Amaro’s ability to balance both sectors will determine his success.
With Disney’s financial performance heavily reliant on both media and experiences, D’Amaro must find innovative ways to leverage the company’s intellectual properties across all platforms. His leadership will be tested as he navigates Disney’s digital transformation while maintaining its legacy as the world’s premier entertainment brand.
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