Bob Chapek Round 2? Josh D’Amaro’s Popularity Plummets

The Walt Disney Company has had its fair share of negative press in the last few years. Much of that surrounded former Disney CEO, Bob Chapek. Colloquially referred to as Bob “Paycheck,” the Disney CEO’s tenure was characterized by many price rises at the Disney Parks. During his time at the helm, many families were priced out of being able to enjoy a Disney vacation, though the price rises have continued since he left. Chapek was ousted in November 2022, and his predecessor and now successor, Disney CEO Bob Iger, returned. Since then, fans have seen some changes at the Walt Disney Company and the Disney Parks that have been representative of Disney listening to fans.

Disney Parks Chairman, Josh D’Amaro

During this time, Josh D’Amaro, the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products chairman, saw a rise in popularity. Be that because of his “pretty privilege” or because he seemed like the “white knight” to many Disney fans, the Disney executive saw a lot of love from fans. Many have also reported seeing him and talking to him in the Parks and have commended him for being a great person to interact with while at the Parks.

The Walt Disney Company lists his role as follows,

As Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D’Amaro oversees the global hub where Disney stories, characters and franchises come to life.

D’Amaro was previously the President of Walt Disney World, and through his role then, continuing into the position he holds now, he has interacted with fans and been the face of Disney Parks since he assumed the role in 2020. He began his tenure at the Walt Disney Company in 1998; he eventually moved up the ranks, then served as President of Disneyland Resort before continuing on to Disney World.

However, it appears, his popularity is no longer what it once was.

Journalist Scott Gustin took to Twitter to share that “Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, will participate in a Q&A at the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media & Communications Conference on Monday, May 22.”

But fans, rather than being excited to hear from him, were less than impressed.

One shared:

He has to go!

— JimmyBaskett1946 (@baskett1946) May 16, 2023

Another chimed in:

https://twitter.com/gnarrfield/status/1658570499205771264

It certainly raises the question of whether the Disney Parks chairman’s reputation is headed down the same route as former Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s. Only time will tell whether this will come to pass.