Dana Walden and Josh D'Amaro Disney Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment The Walt Disney Co. has found its next CEO: Josh D'Amaro, the chairman of the company's experiences division. The entertainment giant formally revealed D'Amaro's promotion Tuesday morning, also elevating Dana Walden to president and chief creative officer. The pair will move into their new roles on March 18, the same day Disney holds its annual meeting. D'Amaro will also be named to the company's board at that time. "Josh D'Amaro possesses that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen eye for strategic growth opportunities, and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people - all of which make him the right person to take the helm as Disney's next CEO," said James Gorman, chairman of Disney's board of directors. "Throughout this search process, Josh has demonstrated a strong vision for the company's future and a deep understanding of the creative spirit that makes Disney unique in an ever-changing marketplace. He has an outstanding record of business achievement, collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment to bring their stories to life in our parks, showcasing the power of combining Disney storytelling with cutting-edge technology. The Board believes he is exceptionally well prepared to guide this global company forward to serve our consumers around the world and create long-term value for shareholders." Related Stories Business Disney Doesn't Plan to Buy More IP Amid Warner Bros. Discovery Battle Business ESPN Valued at $30 Billion As Disney Reveals New Details on NFL Deal "I am immensely grateful to the Board for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world," said Josh D'Amaro. "Disney's strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences. There is no limit to what Disney can achieve, and I am excited to work with our teams across the company and brilliant creative partners to honor Disney's remarkable legacy while continuing to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders. I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Iger for his generous mentorship, his friendship, and the profound impact of his leadership." Disney, with its long and illustrious history and dominating cultural influence, is seen as something of a bellwether for the entire entertainment industry, and the naming of a new CEO garners close attention from across the world of business. D'Amaro succeeds Iger, who will step aside from the top position once again, three years after returning to the company in 2022. "Josh D'Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO," said Iger. "He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, paired with the rigor and attention to detail required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects. His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary and I am thrilled for Josh and the company." Iger was CEO of Disney from 2005 until 2020, when Bob Chapek (also a veteran of the theme park division) was named his successor in a move that stunned Wall Street and Hollywood, and seemed to come out of left field. A tumultuous few years however, punctuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, led to Iger's surprise return in late 2022. The ascension of D'Amaro bore little resemblance to the Chapek choice. Instead, D'Amaro's elevation to CEO also ends a years-long (and extremely public) succession bake-off, with D'Amaro, Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden frequently cited as the top internal candidates, and the Disney board, led by former Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman, also exploring if there were any viable external candidates. By also elevating Walden, Gorman is taking a cue from his own experience at Morgan Stanley, where he held a public succession bake-off, and promoted the two candidates who ultimately did not get the CEO job, keeping them in the fold. "Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community," Iger added. "Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, she is a wonderful choice to serve in this new leadership role. In the years since Dana joined Disney, she has accumulated great knowledge about the many facets of our businesses and brands, and is very well prepared to be president and chief creative officer." Disney says that Walden's entertainment co-chair Alan Bergman, and ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro, will continue working in their "critical" roles. Disney is an unusual company among the entertainment giants, because it has an experiences division that is a major financial force, and