Less than a month into his tenure as CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Josh D'Amaro has delivered some of the most difficult news of his early leadership: roughly 1,000 employees are losing their jobs.
What D'Amaro Confirmed
On Tuesday, D'Amaro sent a company-wide memo to Disney cast members and employees confirming that role eliminations were already underway and that affected staff would begin being notified this week. The cuts are concentrated in marketing departments and are framed by D'Amaro as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and build a more agile, technology-forward workforce. A number of open positions have also been eliminated, reducing the company's headcount without requiring additional direct layoffs.
In a company memo, Josh D'Amaro says Disney will be “eliminating roles in some parts of the company” and has begun notifying affected employees. About 1,000 roles are reportedly impacted, largely tied to a realignment of the company’s marketing operations.
In a company memo, Josh D'Amaro says Disney will be “eliminating roles in some parts of the company” and has begun notifying affected employees. About 1,000 roles are reportedly impacted, largely tied to a realignment of the company’s marketing operations. pic.twitter.com/FGecveKW9k
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 14, 2026
The full text of D'Amaro‘s letter reads:
“Dear Fellow Employees & Cast Members,
We have experienced a great deal of change these last few years, both at the company and across our industries. Knowing firsthand how these moments can bring uncertainty, I want to be open about some difficult news that will be communicated this week.
In January, we announced our unified enterprise marketing and brand organization, designed to serve consumers in an even more connected way. Over the past several months, we have looked at ways in which we can streamline our operations in various parts of the company to ensure we deliver the world-class creativity and innovation our fans value and expect from Disney. Given the fast-moving pace of our industries, this requires us to constantly assess how to foster a more agile and technologically-enabled workforce to meet tomorrow's needs. As a result, we will be eliminating roles in some parts of the company and have begun notifying impacted employees.
I know this is hard. Those that will be leaving us have done meaningful work here and care deeply about this company. These decisions are not a reflection of their contributions, or of the overall strength of the company. Rather, they reflect our continual evaluation of how to more effectively manage our resources and reinvest in our businesses.
Compassion and respect remain at the heart of our company. As we move forward through this transition, our priority is to support those impacted and help each person navigate what comes next with resources, guidance, and direct support.
Despite these difficult decisions, I remain optimistic about where we're headed as a company. I'm deeply grateful for all of your contributions and for the dedication, professionalism, and care you bring to your work each day. Even in challenging moments, you continue to demonstrate what makes Disney so special.
Josh”
A Turbulent Start for Disney's New Chief
D'Amaro officially stepped into the CEO role on March 18, succeeding Bob Iger, who will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through the end of fiscal 2026. The transition has been anything but quiet.
Within days of taking office, reports emerged that D'Amaro had sent Walt Disney Imagineers back to the drawing board on the Disney Villains land planned for Magic Kingdom Park, reportedly pushing the creative team to “think bigger.” Walt Disney World Resort has not confirmed any changes to those plans for the area under construction “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.”
Tuesday's layoff announcement marks the most significant move of D'Amaro's young tenure as Disney's CEO.
How do you feel about the upcoming layoffs at The Walt Disney Company? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
