Disney $DIS ( ▼ 0.22% ) has officially chosen its next leader, tapping parks chief Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as CEO. D’Amaro will step into the top job on March 18, 2026, and investors cheered the news with shares moving higher in premarket trading.
After years of leadership drama, Disney is turning to the executive who runs its most profitable engine.
From Roller Coasters to Corner Office
D’Amaro has led Disney’s experiences division since 2020, overseeing parks, cruises, and consumer experiences. That unit accounted for roughly 60% of Disney’s total profit in 2025, making it the financial backbone of the company while streaming and media networks faced more volatility.
His appointment follows another long CEO search for Disney $DIS. The company previously elevated Bob Chapek, also a former parks chief, but his tenure ended with Iger returning to steady the ship in 2022. This time, the board is betting that deep operational experience and brand discipline can translate into broader corporate leadership.
Less Hollywood, More Operations
Unlike many past Disney leaders, D’Amaro is not a Hollywood insider. That could be a risk in a company built on storytelling and talent relationships, but it may also reflect a shift in priorities toward execution, profitability, and global expansion.
Iger praised D’Amaro’s understanding of the Disney brand and his ability to blend creativity with operational rigor. In a period when Disney is balancing theme park growth, streaming strategy, and cost discipline, the board appears to be choosing a steady operator over a flashy dealmaker.
The message is clear: Disney’s future may be shaped less by red carpets and more by turnstiles.