The next Disney CEO is shaping up to be a controversial one for sure.
The Next Disney CEO Might Already Be Chosen
Disney’s next big story isn’t about a new ride or movie—it’s about who will lead the entire company into its next chapter. With Bob Iger’s time as CEO nearing its end, the search for his successor has hit a critical point.
According to a new Bloomberg report, insiders believe Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro is now the clear favorite to step into the role. And for theme park fans and longtime Disney lovers, that news could mean massive changes ahead—changes that might bring the “magic” back to center stage.
But before you get too excited, it’s worth breaking down how the succession race has evolved and why this leadership decision might affect everything from Disney Parks to Disney+.
The CEO Race Narrows: Who’s Left in the Running
Bloomberg’s report outlines how the race to replace Bob Iger has become increasingly focused, now described as a “two-horse race” between Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden, Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment.
The original list of frontrunners included D’Amaro, Walden, Alan Bergman, and Jimmy Pitaro of ESPN. However, Pitaro has since dropped out, and Bergman is now seen as a long shot.
“Through nine months of fiscal 2025, profit in the [Disney Experiences] division rose to $8.12 billion, a third more than Disney’s TV, film, streaming, and sports operations combined,” Bloomberg reports.
That incredible performance has made D’Amaro’s division Disney’s most profitable—and a major reason why so many believe he’s the natural choice to lead.
Who Is Josh D’Amaro, Really?
If you’ve spent time in Disney Parks, there’s a good chance you’ve heard D’Amaro’s name before. Unlike many corporate leaders, he’s spent years on the ground level of the Disney experience—working in parks, meeting cast members, and talking directly with guests.
Under his leadership, Disney Parks have expanded globally, including projects like the upcoming Abu Dhabi theme park and Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games. These moves suggest that D’Amaro sees the future of Disney as a blend of real-world storytelling and digital innovation.
Meanwhile, Dana Walden brings deep experience from the entertainment side, helping Disney+ reach profitability and managing major television operations. However, her involvement in recent controversies, including the Jimmy Kimmel suspension, has reportedly caused some shareholder concern.
What Fans Can Expect If D’Amaro Takes Over
If D’Amaro becomes CEO, Disney fans could see a major cultural shift—from corporate strategy to creative storytelling. His track record shows a strong focus on the guest experience and cast member engagement, something that could reshape how Disney operates across the board.
Bloomberg reports that D’Amaro’s recent company presentation was “especially inspiring,” with several executives saying his vision captured “what Disney should feel like again.”
For parkgoers, that could mean more immersive attractions, better guest experiences, and a renewed focus on innovation that connects the parks with Disney’s movies and games. Essentially, D’Amaro represents the kind of leadership that blends business sense with emotional storytelling—the very heart of the Disney brand.
The Final Countdown
The search for Disney’s next CEO is being led by James P. Gorman, Chairman of Morgan Stanley and now Disney’s Board Chairman. The company plans to announce Iger’s successor in early 2026, leaving time for a smooth transition before Iger’s contract officially ends that December.
Whether D’Amaro officially gets the nod or not, his name has become the one to watch. If the rumors hold true, Disney may be stepping into a new golden era—one led by a CEO who truly understands what makes Disney feel magical.
