The Walt Disney Company is entering another pivotal period, and this time the spotlight is firmly on its parks division. As speculation continues over Bob Iger’s successor, Disney has unveiled a series of leadership appointments that could shape the company’s direction long after its current CEO steps down.
For Disney, leadership shifts are never minor. The company has weathered decades of power struggles — from Roy Disney’s steady hand after Walt’s death, to Michael Eisner’s bold yet turbulent reign, to Iger’s first transformative era beginning in 2005. Each change has reverberated far beyond the boardroom, influencing everything from box office strategies to theme park expansions.
Now, attention has turned to the people steering Disney Experiences, the division that encompasses its global parks, resorts, and cruise lines. With a $60 billion investment plan underway, the leadership of this arm carries significant weight not only for fans but also for shareholders watching the company’s future unfold.
Disney Experiences in the Spotlight
Recent weeks have brought a string of promotions. Michael Moriarty, who earned praise for helping stabilize Hong Kong Disneyland’s finances, has been named executive vice-president and chief financial officer of Disney Experiences. Lesz Banham, previously the park’s CFO, will move to Disneyland Resort in California as senior vice-president of finance beginning in January.
The most notable change, however, is the appointment of Tim Sypko as president of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, effective November 23. Sypko joined Disney in 1990 and has held roles across workforce management, operations, and guest experience, rising to senior vice-president of operations in Hong Kong over the past five years.
“Tim’s appointment reflects our continued commitment to growth and innovation at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and across Disney Experiences,” said Jill Estorino, president and managing director of Disney Parks International. “His deep operational expertise and strategic leadership will be instrumental as we build on our already strong partnerships and further expand the resort’s offerings.”
The park itself has become a test case for Disney’s international ambitions. Long overshadowed by its counterparts in Tokyo and Shanghai, Hong Kong Disneyland has fought to distinguish itself with expansions like World of Frozen and the upcoming Spider-Man attraction at Stark Expo. Analysts say the resort’s leadership must balance Disney’s global reach with local appeal to capture audiences from mainland China, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
The Succession Question
These developments unfold as Iger’s second tenure grows more complicated. Cost-cutting measures, layoffs, declining box office returns, and ongoing clashes with Florida officials have chipped away at the stability he once embodied. Streaming losses have added to the pressure, while creative choices — such as halting a proposed Star Wars storyline featuring the return of Ben Solo (Adam Driver) — have fueled fan frustration.
Against this backdrop, the question of who will become Disney’s next CEO looms large. Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, has emerged as a top contender, praised for her expertise in television and film. Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, is also frequently mentioned, thanks to his strong track record in the parks division and his visibility among fans.
The new appointments in Hong Kong and California underscore Disney’s strategy of reinforcing its global parks network at a moment of transition. For D’Amaro, these moves strengthen the foundation of the division he leads — a fact that may weigh heavily as the board considers the company’s future.
Who do you think should be Disney's CEO?
Just bring Eisner back, at least he kept it Disney.