BURBANK, CA – The Walt Disney Company has officially charted its course for the next decade. On February 3, 2026, the Board of Directors unanimously elected Josh D’Amaro as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer, marking the end of a high-stakes, multi-year search for a successor to Robert A. Iger.
The transition is set to officially take place on March 18, 2026, during the company’s annual shareholder meeting.
The New Leadership Duo
In a strategic restructuring designed to balance operational muscle with creative heart, Disney has introduced a dual-leadership framework:
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Josh D’Amaro (CEO): A 28-year Disney veteran and current Chairman of Disney Experiences. D’Amaro is credited with turning the Parks, Experiences, and Products division into the company’s primary profit engine, overseeing everything from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to the groundbreaking Epic Games/Fortnite partnership.
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Dana Walden (President & Chief Creative Officer): In a historic first for the company, Walden—currently Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment—will step into this newly created role. Reporting directly to D’Amaro, she will oversee the creative strategy for Disney’s massive slate of movies, television, and streaming content.
The Iger Transition
Bob Iger, who returned to the helm in 2022 to stabilize the company, will not be disappearing overnight. To ensure a “no-drama” handoff, his transition will follow a structured timeline:
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March 18, 2026: Formally steps down as CEO.
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March – December 2026: Serves as Senior Advisor to D’Amaro and Walden, providing mentorship and strategic continuity.
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December 31, 2026: Full retirement from the company and the Board.
“Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO,” Iger said in a statement. “His ability to combine creativity with operational excellence is exemplary.”
Strategic Focus for 2026 & Beyond
D’Amaro takes the reigns of a $186 billion empire at a pivotal moment. Analysts suggest his tenure will focus on three key pillars:
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Physical & Digital Convergence: Leveraging the $60 billion capital investment plan for parks and cruises while integrating Disney IP into gaming and AI.
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Creative Renaissance: Empowering Dana Walden to revitalize the film studios and maintain streaming profitability.
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Technological Integration: Maximizing the recent OpenAI/Sora and NFL partnerships to keep Disney at the forefront of modern media.
| Executive | New Role | Base Salary | Primary Background |
| Josh D’Amaro | CEO | $2.5 Million | Parks, Experiences, & Operations |
| Dana Walden | President & CCO | $3.75 Million | Television & Creative Talent |
