Disney Appoints Josh D’Amaro as CEO: Bob Iger Steps Down | Disney News 2026

Walt Disney Company Appoints Josh D’Amaro as CEO

3 February 2026 – The Walt Disney Company, one of the world’s leading entertainment conglomerates, announced that Josh D’Amaro, head of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, will succeed Bob Iger as the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). D’Amaro will officially assume the role on 18 March 2026, while Iger will continue as a senior advisor through the end of the year to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Founded in 1923 by brothers Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, Disney began as a small animation studio. Early successes like Alice Comedies and the iconic Mickey Mouse helped the company gain international fame. Today, Disney has grown into a global entertainment powerhouse, spanning animated and live-action films, TV content, theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, and digital streaming services including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Over 103 years, Disney has remained at the forefront of entertainment innovation while maintaining its brand legacy.

Disney’s Growth and Global Expansion

Disney evolved from its early animation roots into a complete entertainment enterprise. It now operates theme parks like Disneyland, Disney World, and Shanghai Disney, cruise lines, interactive experiences, and streaming services. Parks and experiences remain a major source of revenue, attracting millions of visitors worldwide.

The company has been led by several influential CEOs. Walt Disney (1923–1966) established the creative foundation, while Roy O. Disney (1966–1971) focused on financial stability. Leaders like Michael Eisner (1984–2005) expanded Disney’s global reach and acquired Pixar and Marvel. Bob Iger (2005–2020, 2022–2026) oversaw major acquisitions including Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox and launched Disney+. Bob Chapek (2020–2022) navigated the company through COVID-19, and now Josh D’Amaro takes over to lead Disney into a new era.

Disney+ launched in 2020 with 33.5 million subscribers, which grew to over 117.6 million by 2024. In 2025, the streaming segment generated $11.2 billion in revenue, while Hulu and ESPN+ contributed additional earnings. These digital platforms are central to Disney’s global growth strategy.

Financial Performance and Strategic Outlook

Disney’s financial growth has been notable, even post-pandemic. Revenue dropped to $65.38 billion in 2020 due to COVID-19 but rebounded to $67.42 billion in 2021. By 2022, revenue rose to $82.72 billion, reaching $88.90 billion in 2023, $91.36 billion in 2024, and $94.43 billion in 2025. Theme parks and experiences also contributed strongly, generating nearly $36 billion in revenue and $10 billion in operating income in 2025.

Josh D’Amaro faces challenges including optimizing streaming profitability, revitalizing international parks, competing with Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video, and managing operational costs. Opportunities include launching a standalone ESPN streaming service, investing in AI-powered video production, and expanding theme park experiences with new technologies.

Investors have largely reacted positively to D’Amaro’s appointment, recognizing his deep understanding of Disney’s culture and strategy. However, concerns remain over international park attendance and rising costs, which will require careful management under the new leadership.

From its founding to Bob Iger’s transformative leadership and now Josh D’Amaro’s upcoming tenure, Disney has continuously evolved to maintain its creative, commercial, and digital leadership. Under D’Amaro, Disney is poised to continue innovating across streaming, parks, films, TV content, and digital experiences, ensuring the company delivers unique experiences and sustained global growth.