Disney’s board of directors is close to choosing a new CEO, and Josh D’Amaro, who currently leads the theme parks division, is considered the leading candidate to replace Bob Iger, sources say.
Josh D’Amaro, age 54, currently leads Disney’s theme park, resort, and cruise line business, which is the company’s biggest moneymaker. He’s expected to become Disney’s CEO next week if the company’s board approves the decision, putting him in charge of one of the most famous entertainment companies globally.
Board Nears Consensus After Lengthy Search
For almost three years, the board has been working to find a new CEO, a search guided by Disney Chairman James Gorman, who has experience leading similar transitions at other companies. This effort gained momentum after Bob Iger became CEO again in 2022, following his first run in that role from 2005 to 2020.
Despite the apparent alignment around D’Amaro, Disney has not yet finalized a decision.
According to a Disney representative, the company’s board of directors hasn’t chosen the next CEO yet, but they will make an announcement as soon as a decision is reached.
The board could still change course before a vote.
Why D’Amaro Is the Leading Candidate
Jeff D’Amaro has worked at Disney since 1998, steadily taking on leadership positions at its parks and resorts in California, Florida, and Hong Kong. His extensive experience managing Disney’s highly successful theme parks makes him a strong candidate to become the next Disney CEO.
As head of Disney Experiences, D’Amaro is currently managing a massive $60 billion plan to grow Disney’s theme parks and resorts around the world. He’s also been key in expanding the Disney Cruise Line and making a significant investment in Epic Games, the company behind the popular game Fortnite, with a $1.5 billion stake.
A High-Stakes Transition for the House of Mouse
Things are about to change at Disney with a new CEO on the way. Bob Iger has been leading us through a big shift, reshaping the company and investing heavily in new shows and movies. Everyone expected his replacement to come from within – people like Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, and Jimmy Pitaro, who all lead important parts of the business, were all strong contenders for the job.
The fact that D’Amaro is now a leading candidate shows the board wants someone who can effectively run the business and increase profits, particularly because the theme parks are a major source of the company’s overall success.
What Comes Next
Disney will release its financial results for the first quarter on Monday, and this could be when they announce who will be the next CEO. The company has also officially stated it plans to name a new leader by early 2026 and has scheduled its yearly shareholder meeting for March 18th, which might be when the new CEO is revealed.
As Disney prepares for a new CEO, investors will likely be watching the company’s stock and future plans very closely in the coming weeks.
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2026-02-02 15:56