Disney leadership just shifted in a major way. Josh D’Amaro has officially been named the new CEO of The Walt Disney Company, with his tenure set to begin on March 18.
While this is corporate news on the surface, D’Amaro’s background makes this especially interesting for Star Wars fans — because his fingerprints are already all over some of the franchise’s most ambitious real-world experiences.
From Parks Chief to Disney CEO
Before stepping into the top role, D’Amaro served as Chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing parks, resorts, cruise lines, and consumer products. Under his leadership, Disney leaned heavily into immersive, tech-forward environments rather than just traditional attractions.
That approach had a direct impact on how Star Wars moved from screen to physical space.
His Biggest Star Wars Contributions
Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World
D’Amaro helped lead development on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the massive Star Wars lands at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Galaxy’s Edge wasn’t just a ride expansion — it was a full environment:
- Original planet (Batuu)
- Interactive story elements
- Cast members “in universe”
- Technology-driven immersion
It set a new benchmark for franchise-based themed lands.
The Galactic Starcruiser Experiment
He also oversaw the launch of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, Disney’s ambitious live-action role-playing hotel experience.
While the Starcruiser ultimately had a limited lifespan, it represented one of the boldest attempts ever to merge:
- Themed entertainment
- Storytelling
- Interactive performance
- Hospitality
Even critics acknowledged it pushed boundaries for what franchise immersion could look like.
Tech-Forward Storytelling
D’Amaro has been a strong advocate for next-gen park technology, including development of Disney’s much-publicized retractable, realistic lightsaber system — a piece of tech designed to bring on-screen Star Wars weapon effects into real-world performance environments.
That focus on innovation over static attractions fits a larger pattern in his leadership style: blending entertainment with experiential tech.
Why This Matters for Star Wars
D’Amaro’s background suggests Disney’s future leadership may continue emphasizing:
- Immersive experiences
- Technology-driven storytelling
- Physical-world franchise expansion
- Crossovers between media and real environments
For Star Wars specifically, that could mean more emphasis on:
theme park storytelling, interactive tech, and franchise extensions beyond film and streaming.
What This Leadership Shift Signals for Star Wars
A parks-and-experiences leader stepping into the CEO role signals that Disney sees real-world engagement as just as important as traditional media output.
For Star Wars, that’s a familiar direction — and one D’Amaro has already helped shape.
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