Bob Iger Comments on Josh D’Amaro as He Steps Down as Disney CEO

It’s official. Disney has entered a brand new era.

Why is that, you ask? For many years, fans around the world associated Bob Iger’s name with the CEO position at the Walt Disney Company (except for the brief period when Bob Chapek served as CEO). But as of March 18th, 2026, there is a NEW individual at the helm—former Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro is officially serving as Disney’s NEW CEO.

 

On March 18th, 2026, Disney held its annual Shareholder Meeting, at which point Josh D’Amaro took over as the Company’s new CEO. James Gorman, who serves as a director for The Walt Disney Company, started off the meeting by saying how enthusiastic he is about the leadership D’Amaro will bring to the role. However, he also acknowledged Disney’s new President and COO, Dana Walden.

Gorman also expressed gratitude to Bob Iger. Bob Iger first served as Disney’s CEO from 2005 through 2020. That was quite the 15-year stretch with important changes made along the way, including the acquisition of companies like Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel, the opening of parks like the Shanghai Disney Resort, and the release of several major Disney movies.

Bob Chapek then took over as CEO, but his time is likely most remembered for major challenges like the battle with Ron DeSantis, Florida’s governor, over the 2022 Parental Rights in Education Act, as well as the COVID-19 Pandemic (which came with park closures, massive layoffs, and more).

In November of 2022, Chapek was removed from the CEO position, and Iger was brought back. A large emphasis, however, was placed on CEO succession planning this time around, giving Iger a second chance to find his ideal replacement. It seems D’Amaro has become that choice.

During the shareholder meeting, Iger gave a farewell speech, saying that “what sustained me was the passion I saw every day.” He also said that “leaders dont create the magic: the people who work for and with the leaders do.” As to the future, Iger said, “I sense confidence and excitement,” and “I believe in Josh D’Amaro.”

D’Amaro shared his belief in the company by saying, “Nobody else has the ability to do this at the scale and quality Disney can.” He said that the company was in a league of its own. His idea for the future of Disney is to focus on the company’s relationship and connection with its fans.

Dana Walden will be joining D’Amaro in leading the Company in her new role as President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company. Walden was formerly Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment. She will now report to D’Amaro and make sure that “storytelling and creative expression” across Disney consistently reflects the brand, engages fans, and advances Disney’s objectives.

And Iger will be sticking around for a while, too, albeit in a different role. Iger will serve as a Senior Advisor and a member of Disney’s Board of Directors until December 31st, 2026, at which point he will retire.

D’Amaro has come to Disney’s CEO position at a time when many major projects are underway. There are new park expansions/changes in the works at spots like Animal Kingdom (Pueblo Esperanza), Magic Kingdom (Villains land and the Cars-themed space), Hollywood Studios (Monsters, Inc.-themed space), and Disneyland (Avengers expansion in Disney California Adventure). Not to mention a whole new Disney theme park being built in Abu Dhabi.

Plus, there are many new movies being worked on, and changes on the horizon for ESPN and Disney+.

And now…we wait. It will be fascinating to see how D’Amaro handles challenges that will inevitably be thrown at him, and how he celebrates Disney’s biggest successes, too. Be sure to check back with us for ALL the updates.

In the meantime, click HERE to see all about how D’Amaro said “Guests Like It, But They Don’t Love It,” in reference to an upcoming ride change

 

Are you a fan of Josh D’Amaro? What do you expect from him as CEO? Tell us in the comments.

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