Disney turns the page: Josh D’Amaro new CEO, Bob Iger era comes to an end

The Walt Disney Company announced today the appointment of Josh D’Amaro as its new Chief Executive Officer, set to take the reins of the entertainment powerhouse starting March 18. The news marks the end of an era: Bob Iger will officially retire on December 31, 2026, after more than twenty years of leadership marked by record-breaking acquisitions, stellar theme parks, and streaming breakthroughs.

With 28 years of experience at Disney, D’Amaro has led the Disney Experiences division, which includes theme parks, cruises, and resorts. The success of these activities – considered the company’s profit engine – convinced the board to bet on his managerial talent and his ability to balance business with magic. “Josh knows the company better than anyone,” commented the board chairman, emphasizing the importance of an orderly and strategic transition.

But the leadership change isn’t limited to the CEO role: Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, becomes President & Chief Creative Officer, ready to lead creativity and content, reporting directly to the new CEO. This move reshapes the company’s structure and aims to strengthen competitiveness in streaming and film markets.

For Iger, retirement won’t be immediate: he will remain on the board as Senior Advisor until the end of the year, guiding D’Amaro through a smooth transition and ensuring continuity in long-term strategies. This isn’t a sudden farewell but the closing of a memorable chapter that saw Disney navigate colossal mergers, launch Disney+, and consolidate its theme parks as true empires of global entertainment.

With D’Amaro at the helm, Disney aims to maintain its magic without ever losing its business edge: a mix of innovation, experience, and entertainment that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The countdown begins in March, when the House of the Mouse officially opens its new chapter, full of roller coasters and stellar strategies.

Andrea Pelucchi