Disney’s Josh D’Amaro has become CEO as the company begins a new chapter

Disney Turns the page on a new chapter as Josh D’Amaro takes over as CEO of the Media and Theme Parks Corporation.

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 longtime Disney executive takes over after a period of uncertainty for the century-old company — including a closely watched succession race, reorganization and recent turnaround — that left it with a mixed reception from Wall Street.

Disney stock is down more than 10% year to date as of Tuesday’s close.

D’Amaro’s most immediate task will be to maintain momentum in Disney’s core growth areas. The company’s latest quarterly earnings were lifted by theme parks and streaming, two areas that remain a focus for investors, industry peers and consumers alike.

The company has recently embarked on a major investment in its theme parks, including an expansion into its Abu Dhabi theme park and resort, and has seen its streaming business reach consecutive quarters of profitability.

Disney is also back at the top of the box office with hits like “Lilo & Stitch,” “Zootopia” and “Avatar” in 2025.

This is the second time that Iger has handed over the reins to his successor in nearly six years. He will remain a senior Disney advisor and board member until his retirement from the company on December 31.

The iconic CEO led Disney for nearly 20 years over two terms at the top. In his first 15 years, Iger was responsible for some of the largest acquisitions such as Marvel and Fox entertainment assets, as well as the launch of Disney+.

He resigned in 2020, but his time away from the company was capped at two years after his handover to Bob Chapek was filled 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 a variety of roles at the company. Under his leadership, Disney’s theme parks division blossomed into a driving force and profit engine.