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Josh D’Amaro Officially Takes Over as Disney CEO at Annual Meeting

The parks veteran now faces pressure to map Disney’s next phase as Dana Walden leads a unified entertainment operation.

Overview

  • Disney confirmed the handoff at the March 18 shareholder meeting after a unanimous board vote in February, with Bob Iger staying on as senior advisor and director through December 31, 2026.
  • Dana Walden assumed the new role of president and chief creative officer and detailed a consolidated Disney Entertainment structure spanning film, TV, streaming, games and digital, with shared oversight of Disney+ and Hulu.
  • In his first messages, D’Amaro highlighted “world‑class creativity enhanced by technology,” called for operating as “one Disney,” and pointed to Disney+ evolving into the company’s digital centerpiece.
  • Disney Experiences remains the profit engine, generating $36 billion in FY2025 revenue and 57% of company profit, as the company pursues a multiyear $60 billion plan for parks and cruise investments.
  • Analysts want clarity on AI, streaming integration and geopolitical and energy risks, while regulatory filings and reports place D’Amaro’s first‑year compensation at about $40 million.