Josh D'Amaro was appointed CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 2026 after nearly three decades with the company.© Errich Petersen/Getty ImagesJosh D’Amaro is a longtime Walt Disney Company (DIS) executive who became chief executive officer in 2026 after nearly three decades with the company. After building his career in Disney’s theme park operations, he went on to lead the division that oversees Disney’s theme parks, resorts, and cruise lines worldwide during a period of significant expansion before succeeding Robert A. Iger as CEO.

　　Early life and educationD’Amaro grew up in Medfield, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, playing soccer and basketball on teams that were coached by his dad. As a teenager, he thought he wanted to be a sculptor and enrolled in the arts program at Skidmore College. But by his sophomore year, he began to question whether he could support a family as an artist and decided to pursue a more traditional business path. He transferred to Georgetown University, where he received a degree in business administration.

　　After graduating, he returned to Boston and took a job as a financial analyst at Gillette, the maker of razors and other consumer products. In 1998, he applied for a position in business strategy at Disney and was hired.

　　He is married to his high school sweetheart, Susan, and lives in Coto de Caza, California.

　　Early career and joining DisneyD’Amaro spent most of his career at Disney in the company’s theme park division. After working in strategy, he moved to China to help revamp Hong Kong Disneyland and was instrumental in bringing Avatar rides to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

　　Leading Disney’s theme parks and resortsColleagues have described D’Amaro as deeply committed to Disney and its business. In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced Disney’s parks to close temporarily, D’Amaro was named chair of Disney Experiences, the division overseeing theme parks, resorts, and cruise ships. The unit attracts roughly 145 million visitors annually and accounts for about 60% of the company’s operating profit.

　　“Disney isn’t just a brand, it’s a feeling. It’s wonder and belonging and optimism. It’s memories that are handed down generation to generation.”

　　—Josh D’Amaro, The New York Times

　　During D’Amaro’s tenure, the cost of visiting a Disney park rose significantly, with multiple price increases drawing protests and public backlash from some visitors. The company also tightened eligibility rules for its disability-access program, saying the system had been misused; the changes prompted demonstrations and legal challenges.

　　His financial track record and leadership of the parks division made D’Amaro a leading candidate to succeed Iger, and his backing of Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in videogame developer Epic Games underscored his focus on expanding the company’s reach among younger audiences.

　　D’Amaro oversaw continued expansion of Disney’s theme parks worldwide, including projects in China and the Middle East. In 2025, the company agreed to create a Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in partnership with Miral Group, an Abu Dhabi–based developer.

　　Technology has also been a central focus of D’Amaro’s leadership. He encouraged the use of artificial intelligence to speed the development of new rides, and under his leadership animatronic Star Wars droids capable of interacting with visitors were introduced in the parks.

　　Such innovation is consistent with Walt Disney’s vision, according to D’Amaro. “Walt had always talked about innovating and pushing the envelope of technology,” he told The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the debut of an animatronic Walt Disney created to mark Disneyland’s 70th anniversary in 2025.

　　Josh D'Amaro joined CEO Bob Iger at Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration in July 2025.© Disneyland Resort handout photo/Getty ImagesAppointment as CEOIn February 2026, Disney’s board of directors appointed D’Amaro CEO, effective March 18, 2026. He succeeds Robert A. Iger, who is to become senior advisor and remain a member of the board through the end of 2026.

　　The board’s decision followed a multiyear succession process that evaluated internal and external candidates. His compensation package was valued at more than $30 million in his first year, including a $2.5 million base salary.

　　Concurrent with D’Amaro’s appointment, Dana Walden was named president and chief creative officer. In that role, she oversees the company’s film and television businesses, reporting to D’Amaro.

　　Leadership and outlookAlthough most of D’Amaro’s career has involved Disney’s parks division, he has had less direct experience overseeing the company’s media businesses. Disney’s media holdings include Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, and 20th Century Studios, as well as ABC, ESPN, and the Disney+ and Hulu streaming services.

　　D’Amaro has said that spending time in the parks and hearing from guests remains central to his leadership approach. “One of the things that’s very important to me is we listen,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “Our fans have points of view, they have things they want to see come to life.”

　　The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by David Schepp.