Disney (Finally) Picks Bob Iger’s Successor

Disney is getting a new CEO – and for the first time in over 20 years, his name isn’t Bob. The company announced today that Josh D’Amaro, who has been with Disney for 28 years and currently leads their theme parks, will take over from Bob Iger in March. Iger is stepping down sooner than expected.

The choice of D’Amaro as CEO wasn’t a surprise. For months, he and Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, were leading candidates, with many believing D’Amaro was the frontrunner. His long career with Disney and the significant role theme parks play in the company’s success were key factors in the board’s decision. While he lacked experience in TV and film production – something both previous CEOs, Bob Iger and Michael Eisner, had – his other strengths proved decisive. Disney is also appointing Walden as president and chief creative officer, likely to bolster the company’s creative leadership.

Disney has changed CEOs three times in the last six years. Bob Iger first stepped down in 2020 after 15 years, unexpectedly passing the role to Bob Chapek, another theme park executive. Chapek’s time as CEO was short-lived and difficult, and he was replaced by Iger in November 2022. Initially, Iger said he’d only serve until 2022, but his contract was extended to 2026. This fall, Disney’s board made it clear they were ready to move past Iger, appointing James Gorman as chairman and announcing plans for a new CEO by early 2026 – a goal they’ve now achieved.

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2026-02-03 17:01