Josh D’Amaro alongside Disney branding in editorial banner about reports he may succeed Bob Iger as CEO

Disney Board Reportedly Favors Josh D’Amaro to Succeed Bob Iger as CEO

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The board of directors at The Walt Disney Company is reportedly aligned behind Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, to become the company’s next chief executive officer, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

If approved, D’Amaro would succeed Bob Iger, who has led the entertainment giant in two separate stints and is expected to step down before the end of his contract in 2026.

👉 Read the full Bloomberg report here

A Parks and Experiences Leader Takes the Lead

Josh D’Amaro, 54, has overseen the Disney Experiences segment — which includes the company’s globally recognized theme parks, resorts, cruise operations, merchandise, and consumer products — since 2020. During his tenure, that division has become a significant revenue driver for Disney, even as other business segments like streaming and traditional entertainment face headwinds.

According to the Bloomberg report, the board is expected to vote on the leadership transition as soon as next week. While no official decision has been made, sources familiar with the process indicate that D’Amaro is the leading candidate and has garnered broad support within Disney’s leadership.

What This Means for Disney’s Future

If D’Amaro is confirmed, it would mark a continuation of Disney’s recent leadership emphasis on its parks and experiential business, a strategy that has proven particularly resilient amid industry shifts in content consumption and direct-to-consumer services.

The decision also comes at a pivotal time for Disney’s succession planning. Bob Iger, widely credited with major franchise expansions and strategic acquisitions during his leadership, extended his contract through 2026 after returning to the CEO role in 2022. With his planned departure now nearing, the board’s choice of successor will play a central role in shaping Disney’s next chapter.

Broader Context

Industry observers have tracked the Disney CEO succession battle for several years, with executives across the company — including entertainment co-chairs and division heads — being floated as potential successors. While candidates such as Dana Walden and others were discussed, reports now indicate that the board’s focus has narrowed, and D’Amaro’s operational leadership and financial results have strengthened his position.

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