After years of intense boardroom deliberations, Disney taps its parks and experiences chief to lead the entertainment giant into its next era of growth.
D’Amaro will succeed Bob Iger, bringing to a close a succession process that has remained under close scrutiny for more than two years.
The decision was confirmed by Disney’s board of directors, led by chairman James Gorman, as the company prepares for a new leadership chapter amid shifting market dynamics and evolving consumer behavior across entertainment and media.
D’Amaro, currently chairman of Disney Experiences, has spent nearly three decades inside the company, building a reputation as a steady operator with deep insight into Disney’s theme parks, consumer products, and global experiences business.
He joined Disney in 1998 and has held senior roles across finance, marketing, and operations, including leadership positions at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
At present, D’Amaro oversees one of Disney’s most profitable divisions and is managing a multibillion-dollar global expansion of the company’s parks and destinations, including new international projects aimed at driving long-term growth.
The board’s decision comes after past leadership transitions drew criticism from investors, particularly following the short-lived tenure of Bob Chapek, whose appointment coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
That period ultimately led to Iger’s return to the CEO role in 2022, with a clear mandate to stabilize the company and prepare a more durable succession plan.
With Iger’s current contract ending in 2026, the board faced mounting pressure to finalize a successor well ahead of time.
Insiders say Disney favored an internal candidate due to the company’s scale and complexity, which spans film, television, streaming, theme parks, gaming, and consumer products.
Another leading contender was Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, who continues to oversee a vast portfolio of television networks, studios, and streaming operations. Her leadership remains central to Disney’s content and streaming strategy moving forward.
Industry observers note that D’Amaro’s appointment reflects the growing importance of Disney’s experiences and consumer products businesses, which have emerged as major profit drivers during a period of volatility for film and television.
As he prepares to hand over leadership, Iger has emphasized that Disney’s next CEO must embrace change, innovation, and long-term strategic evolution in a rapidly shifting global media landscape.
