Walt Disney has named Josh D’Amaro, the leader of its amusement park business, as its new chief executive.
D’Amaro, a 28-year veteran of Disney, will take over from Bob Iger on March 18.
The appointment places the company’s focus on the division that has provided the most consistent profits in recent years, even as Disney navigates the competitive streaming industry.
The decision concludes a long-running succession question for the entertainment giant. Iger has led Disney for roughly two decades, apart from a brief period that ended in 2022 when his successor was removed and Iger returned to steer the company through rising costs in streaming, film and television, rejuvenate ESPN and expand its parks and cruise lines.
In his announcement, Iger said he was “proud to step away at a moment when Disney’s future has never been brighter”.
Josh D’Amaro‘s Career
D’Amaro began his Disney career in 1998 at Disneyland Resort and rose to chairman of the Disney Experiences division, overseeing 185,000 employees and generating $36 bn in revenue last year.
In his role, the 54-year-old manages 12 theme parks and 54 resorts worldwide. He has led projects including World of Frozen and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, as well as digital ventures such as Disney’s collaboration with the creators of Fortnite.
Disney board chair James Gorman told CNBC that D’Amaro brings both financial expertise and a “great creative touch” to the top role.
Kursiv also reports that Disney has restarted work on its live-action adaptation of Tangled, casting Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim in the lead roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.
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