Josh D’Amaro, chair of Disney’s highly successful parks division, is set to succeed Bob Iger as the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Disney announces Josh D’Maro as new CEO, succeeding Bob Iger (@scottgustin)Disney TV chief Dana Walden, who had been considered a strong candidate for the CEO position, will assume the role of company president and chief creative officer.
On Tuesday morning, Disney unveiled the succession plan, ending years of speculation about who would succeed Iger, 74, at the helm of one of the world’s largest entertainment companies.
D’Marro’s hiring marks him as the second parks chief to rise to the top job, following Bob Chapek, whose short tenure as CEO interrupted two terms at Iger’s helm.
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Bob Iger congratulates Josh D’Maro”Josh D’Maro is an exceptional leader and the right person to be our next CEO,” Iger said in a statement. “He has an innate understanding of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences, combined with the rigor and focus required to deliver some of our most ambitious projects.”
“His ability to combine creativity with creativity is exemplary and I am thrilled for Josh and company,” he added.
Who is Josh D’Maro?D’Maro began his career at Disney in 1998 and has been involved in various aspects of the theme park sector. In 2020, he was appointed chairman of Disney Experience, which includes management of parks, cruises, video games and consumer products.
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D’Amaro is responsible for overseeing 12 theme parks and has been instrumental in expanding into the Middle East, where a new park is currently under construction in Abu Dhabi.
In addition, he significantly increased the cruise business. He led investments in Epic Games, including the introduction of Disney characters in Fortnite.
D’Amaro is set to take over the role of CEO on March 18 at the company’s annual meeting.
