The Walt Disney Company is preparing for one of its most significant leadership changes in decades. With Bob Iger set to step down as CEO at the end of 2026, speculation about his successor is heating up across the entertainment and business worlds. For investors, Disney fans, and industry insiders alike, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will take over one of the most powerful positions in global media?
Recent reporting by The Wall Street Journal points to Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s current Chairman of Parks, Experiences, and Products, as the front-runner in the race to become Disney’s next CEO. D’Amaro, who has overseen Disney’s parks and resorts during a period of dramatic transformation, appears well-positioned to lead the company into a new era—one defined by franchise-driven experiences, innovative attractions, and continued expansion into global entertainment markets.
Disney’s Succession Strategy
Disney has taken a deliberate and structured approach to planning its leadership transition. In early 2023, the Board established a dedicated Succession Planning Committee to oversee the process and ensure that the next CEO aligns with Disney’s long-term strategic vision. James P. Gorman, who joined the Board in February 2024 and has extensive experience guiding corporate transitions at Morgan Stanley, is leading the committee.
While Disney considered external candidates, insiders say the company is leaning toward promoting from within. D’Amaro’s extensive experience managing Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products makes him a standout candidate, offering both operational expertise and an understanding of the company’s culture. His leadership has already left a mark on Disney’s most visible business segments, from theme park innovation to consumer products.
The Competition: Dana Walden
Although D’Amaro is the current favorite, television executive Dana Walden is reportedly the strongest contender behind him. Both executives reportedly met with the Board at Walt Disney World over the summer to present their strategic visions for Disney’s future. The selection process is expected to include a transition period where the new CEO will work closely with Iger, gaining insight into Disney’s complex operations before officially taking the helm.
To ensure a smooth handover, the Board is also taking steps to retain top executives who are not selected. Reports suggest that contract adjustments, new titles, and increased compensation may be offered to key leaders to minimize disruption and maintain continuity.
A Park Evolution in Motion
D’Amaro’s leadership of Disney Parks comes at a time of dramatic change. Bob Iger’s tenure has seen the company pivot away from traditional attractions toward experiences rooted in Disney’s intellectual property (IP). Classic rides and shows have been replaced or reimagined to feature characters and franchises that resonate with modern audiences.
Notable examples include the replacement of The Great Movie Ride with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Hollywood Studios, and the substitution of EPCOT’s Maelstrom with Frozen Ever After. Even long-standing shows like Country Bear Jamboree have been updated to include Disney songs, signaling a broader focus on brand synergy over traditional storytelling.
Big Changes Ahead
Disney is planning several major projects that reinforce its IP-focused strategy:
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Cars Land and Villains Land, set to replace Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
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Monstropolis, a new Monsters, Inc.-themed area taking over Muppet*Vision 3D.
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Tropical Americas, featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones, transforming the former DinoLand U.S.A.
While these new areas promise cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences, they also highlight a shift away from the original charm of Disney parks. Fans of classic attractions have expressed concern that Disney’s signature balance of storytelling and nostalgia is being overshadowed by franchise integration.
What D’Amaro’s Leadership Could Mean
If D’Amaro is confirmed as CEO, the company is expected to continue its trajectory of combining Disney’s creative storytelling with commercially successful franchises. His deep experience with the parks and consumer products business positions him to maintain Disney’s global appeal while adapting to evolving entertainment trends.
The next CEO will have a critical role in shaping Disney’s future, including guiding the company’s streaming platforms, parks, and international expansions. For Disney enthusiasts, this leadership transition could determine whether the company continues to prioritize immersive, franchise-driven attractions or finds ways to preserve elements of its historic charm.
As Disney approaches the 2026 CEO announcement, all eyes are on Josh D’Amaro. With Bob Iger’s departure signaling the end of an era, the company stands on the brink of a new chapter in its storied history. For Disney fans, employees, and investors, the succession process is not just a corporate story—it’s a defining moment that could influence how the world experiences Disney’s magic for decades to come.
With D’Amaro in the lead, the next phase of Disney promises a continuation of franchise integration, technological innovation, and global expansion. Whether this direction will fully satisfy long-time Disney fans remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next CEO will have enormous influence over the company’s creative vision and operational strategy.
